Teens and Texting
The cost of staying connected
Teens send and receive thousands of messages to stay in constant contact with their friends. Texting makes them feel like they're in the loop. That need to stay connected often prevents teens from getting adequate sleep. Mikaela Espinoza, 17, used to sleep with her cell phone beside her bed. Eventually, her sleep became affected, especially on nights when she received texts at 3 a.m. Soon she was having painful headaches during the day. Espinoza is not the only teen with sleep-related problems.
Besides headaches, these teens also experience difficulty concentrating, bad moods and weak immune systems. Many teens fall asleep in class, and some even confess to falling asleep while driving.
Turning off the phone
After seeing their phone bill, Reina Hardesty's parents restricted Reina's use of her cell phone. Parents also set "texting curfews," a time after which no more texting is
allowed. Many teens are discovering for themselves the benefits of turning off their phone at night. It's a good first step toward a good night's sleep.
in the loop 參與其內/知情
eg: Even though Janet is currently out on a business trip, she is in the loop on all our big decisions.
=> 雖然Janet現在出差了，但是她都有參與我們的每一個重大決策。
out of the loop 不知情的/局外人的
eg: I've been out of the loop on what has been happening in town since I moved.
=> 自從我搬家之後，就不曉得鎮上的動態了.
adequate adj. 足夠的/適合的
eg: We have to make sure we have adequate food for our camping trip.
=> 我們必須確定我們露營食物的量是足夠的。
eg: Adequate lighting is crucial for students' learning.
=> 足夠的光線對學生的學習是很重要的。
confess v. 承認/坦承
confess to something 坦承某件事情
confess to someone 對某人坦承
eg: George confessed to sneaking out during work.
=> George 承認上班的時候有偷溜出去。
eg: Nick confessed to his parents that he stole money from them.
=> Nick向父母坦承了自己偷了他們的錢。
//== Chat room ==//
texting curfews 禁止傳簡訊
curfew n.
=> 原先指戒嚴時期的宵禁令，有curfew的時候，夜間是禁止外出的
=> 現在curfew是指青少年晚間要回到家的門禁時間
eg: I have an eleven o'clock curfew.
=> 我十一點鐘前要回到家
grounded
eg: get grounded 被禁足
eg: You are grounded. 你被禁足
2010年4月30日 星期五
20100429 Teens and Texting (1)
Teens and Texting
What is keeping teens up at night?
When Greg Hardesty saw his December 2008 telephone bill, he was shocked. The 440-page bill listed 14,528 text messages from his daughter Reina's cell phone. If Hardesty handn't had an unlimited texting plan, the bill would have cost almost $3,000. Hardesty's situation is not unique. Families all over America are waking up to the large number of text messages teens send. A 2009 study reported that the average teen sends 2,899 texts a month.
They send text messages during class, while drivingand in the middle of the night. Parents, teachers and doctors are becoming very concerned.
Teens and sleep
Only 20 percent of teens get the eight hours of sleep recommended by the National Sleep Foundation. Fifteen percent get as little as three to five hours a night. Experts believe technology-related distractions are causing teens to get less sleep than they should. One big distraction is texting - especially when teens wake up late at night to text.
text n. 文字/本文
text message n. 簡訊
eg: I got a text message from my brother saying he'll visit me next week.
=> 我收到我兄弟的簡訊說他下星期來看我。
text v. 傳簡訊
eg: My thumb is sore because I texted too much.
=> 因為我t傳太多簡訊，所以我的大拇指很酸。
wake up to something v. 意識到某種重要的事情/狀況
eg: It's time for us to wake up to the fact that we need to solve the problem of global warming.
=> 現在是我們該意識到必需解決地球暖化問題的時候了。
eg: She should wake up to the fact that her health condition is failing.
=> 她必需醒意識到自己的身體狀況越來越差的事實。
distract v. 使分心
distraction n. 使分心的事情
eg: Many can listen to music while working, but I find it a great distraction.
=> 許多人都可以邊聽音樂邊工作，但我發現聽音樂很容易讓我分心。
eg" Ellen decided to go to the library where she is free from distractions.
=> 艾倫決定要去圖書館那裡沒有容易她分心的事情。
//== Chat room ==//
What is keeping teens up at night?
tee為teenager的簡稱
teenager n. 13到19青少年
=> between 13 and 19
=> 13~19的英文都有teen結尾
thirteen
nineteen
adolescent n. 泛指青少年
=> someone who is transitioning between childhood and adulthood
=> 含意最廣泛指青少年
preteen n. 少年
=> 9~12 歲
=> tween(表示8~12)這個用法越來越popular，也是少年的意思
tween
=> teen and between組合而成的新字
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Hardesty's situation is not unique.
unique
=> very special
eg: Van Gogh's style is veyr unique.
subject + is not unique
eg: Janet is a single mother of two and has to work three jobs in order to pay the bills, her situation is not unique.
eg: At age 9, Maggie was diagnosed with childhood diabetes; her problem is not unique in America.
What is keeping teens up at night?
When Greg Hardesty saw his December 2008 telephone bill, he was shocked. The 440-page bill listed 14,528 text messages from his daughter Reina's cell phone. If Hardesty handn't had an unlimited texting plan, the bill would have cost almost $3,000. Hardesty's situation is not unique. Families all over America are waking up to the large number of text messages teens send. A 2009 study reported that the average teen sends 2,899 texts a month.
They send text messages during class, while drivingand in the middle of the night. Parents, teachers and doctors are becoming very concerned.
Teens and sleep
Only 20 percent of teens get the eight hours of sleep recommended by the National Sleep Foundation. Fifteen percent get as little as three to five hours a night. Experts believe technology-related distractions are causing teens to get less sleep than they should. One big distraction is texting - especially when teens wake up late at night to text.
text n. 文字/本文
text message n. 簡訊
eg: I got a text message from my brother saying he'll visit me next week.
=> 我收到我兄弟的簡訊說他下星期來看我。
text v. 傳簡訊
eg: My thumb is sore because I texted too much.
=> 因為我t傳太多簡訊，所以我的大拇指很酸。
wake up to something v. 意識到某種重要的事情/狀況
eg: It's time for us to wake up to the fact that we need to solve the problem of global warming.
=> 現在是我們該意識到必需解決地球暖化問題的時候了。
eg: She should wake up to the fact that her health condition is failing.
=> 她必需醒意識到自己的身體狀況越來越差的事實。
distract v. 使分心
distraction n. 使分心的事情
eg: Many can listen to music while working, but I find it a great distraction.
=> 許多人都可以邊聽音樂邊工作，但我發現聽音樂很容易讓我分心。
eg" Ellen decided to go to the library where she is free from distractions.
=> 艾倫決定要去圖書館那裡沒有容易她分心的事情。
//== Chat room ==//
What is keeping teens up at night?
tee為teenager的簡稱
teenager n. 13到19青少年
=> between 13 and 19
=> 13~19的英文都有teen結尾
thirteen
nineteen
adolescent n. 泛指青少年
=> someone who is transitioning between childhood and adulthood
=> 含意最廣泛指青少年
preteen n. 少年
=> 9~12 歲
=> tween(表示8~12)這個用法越來越popular，也是少年的意思
tween
=> teen and between組合而成的新字
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Hardesty's situation is not unique.
unique
=> very special
eg: Van Gogh's style is veyr unique.
subject + is not unique
eg: Janet is a single mother of two and has to work three jobs in order to pay the bills, her situation is not unique.
eg: At age 9, Maggie was diagnosed with childhood diabetes; her problem is not unique in America.
2010年4月29日 星期四
演奏會上 郎朗用iPad 彈出大黃蜂
最近iPAD很火熱~~
大家笑笑就好~~
================================
【聯合新聞網╱綜合報導】
2010.04.28 02:17 pm
世界知名華裔音樂家郎朗，日前在舊金山一場公開演出中，竟拿出蘋果iPad演奏「大黃蜂的飛行」，現場觀眾之其所以然後紛紛開心大笑，網路上也開始流傳這段精彩影片，網友對此嘖嘖稱奇。
郎朗在安可曲上，突然拿出近來話題性十足的蘋果ipad平板電腦，用iPad「玩」出精彩樂章。據了解，郎朗與Smule公司合作推出「Magic Piano魔術鋼琴」的應用程式，只要事先於iPad上下載，輕敲螢幕便能發出樂曲。
郎朗有創意的演奏也引起討論，有人懷疑他是否代言了iPad？事實上，郎朗代言的是「Magic Piano魔術鋼琴」這套軟體，該軟體也迅速的爬上APP STORE下載類第一名，只能說郎朗的名氣真是強大。
大家笑笑就好~~
================================
【聯合新聞網╱綜合報導】
2010.04.28 02:17 pm
世界知名華裔音樂家郎朗，日前在舊金山一場公開演出中，竟拿出蘋果iPad演奏「大黃蜂的飛行」，現場觀眾之其所以然後紛紛開心大笑，網路上也開始流傳這段精彩影片，網友對此嘖嘖稱奇。
郎朗在安可曲上，突然拿出近來話題性十足的蘋果ipad平板電腦，用iPad「玩」出精彩樂章。據了解，郎朗與Smule公司合作推出「Magic Piano魔術鋼琴」的應用程式，只要事先於iPad上下載，輕敲螢幕便能發出樂曲。
郎朗有創意的演奏也引起討論，有人懷疑他是否代言了iPad？事實上，郎朗代言的是「Magic Piano魔術鋼琴」這套軟體，該軟體也迅速的爬上APP STORE下載類第一名，只能說郎朗的名氣真是強大。
2010年4月28日 星期三
20100428 In William's Words (3)
In William's Words
To be or not to be
Shakespeare is credited with authoring an impressive 37 plays and 154 sonnets and is widely remembered for his creative achievements. However, his works are not without controversy. Some people doubt that Shakespeare wrote the works credited to him and propose other people as the true authors. Theories abound supporting more educated individuals as the likely writers. Most people disagree with these claims, however, instead giving Shakespeare credit where credit is due.
Words, words, words
Shakespeare's genius really shows when it comes to his vocabulary. Some experts claim that he knew over 29,000 words, thus making him a vocabulary genius!
And when he couldn't come up with an appropriate word in his writing, he invented a new one. In fact, Shakespeare coined over 1,700 words commonly used in the English
language today and popularized others that were already in use. Among words credited to him are amazement, assassination, downstairs, employer, fashionable, silliness and useful. Phrases and idioms include break the ice, come what may, and love is blind.
For Shakespeare, it seems all's well that ends well. As each play comes to the stage or screen again, his genius continues to live on through his words.
con- 反對
controversy n. 爭論/爭議
=> different groups of people might have different opinions about something
controversy over
eg: The trial caused a controversy over the issue of women's rights.
=> 這個審判造成有關女性停權這個議題的爭議。
controversial adj. 爭議性高的
eg: a controversial movie 一部引起爭議的電影
credit where credit is due 任何某人的貢獻或能力
credit n. 功勞
due adj 應該還的
eg: Even though Mandy might be a little too aggressive, credit where credit is due - she is very efficient.
=> 儘管Mandy有一點強勢，但是如果實至名歸的話 - 她是個非常有效率的人。
popular adj. 受歡迎的
popularize v. 使普及/使流行
eg: The Internet has helped to popularize eco-friendly ideas and products.
=> 網際網路對於幫助推廣環保觀念和環保產品扮演很重要的角色。
sonnet n. 十四行詩,商籟詩
=> a poem with fourteen lines
credit where credit is due
=> They acknowledged Shakespeare is the person who was responsible for writing all of
these poems and all of these plays.
coin v. 創造/杜撰
popularize v. 使通俗化;普及;宣傳
=> make it popular
Break the ice. （尤指聚會等開始時，用言語或行動）打破隔閡/打頭說話
=> Take a situation that is a little bit uncomfortable and you're making it more relax for people
all's well that ends well
=> Everything turns out well
//== Chat room ==//
To be or not to be, that is the question.
=> 生存還是毀滅，這是個值得考慮的問題。
=> 出自於莎士比亞的哈姆雷特
=> 經常被套用在英文報章雜誌的標題或廣告詞
=> 通常用來表示做與不做之間進退維谷的狀態
如果你不確定該不該買某樣東西，你可以說
=> To buy or not to buy
如果外面天氣很好，心裡面很針扎該工作還是要偷得浮生半日閒
=> to work or not to work
莎士比亞的作品
Hamlet
King Lear
Macbeth
//== More Information ==//
Shakespeare's plays were written in a poetic style known as blank verse. Basically. It's poetry that doesn't rhyme, but it's still pleasing to the ear because it imitates the rhythms of natural speech. Blank verse is very flexible, allowing poets and playwrights to express themselves freely. Some of Shakespeare's more famous blank verse narratives include Romeo and Juliet, Hamiet, Midsummer Night's Dream and Antony and Cleopatra.
To be or not to be
Shakespeare is credited with authoring an impressive 37 plays and 154 sonnets and is widely remembered for his creative achievements. However, his works are not without controversy. Some people doubt that Shakespeare wrote the works credited to him and propose other people as the true authors. Theories abound supporting more educated individuals as the likely writers. Most people disagree with these claims, however, instead giving Shakespeare credit where credit is due.
Words, words, words
Shakespeare's genius really shows when it comes to his vocabulary. Some experts claim that he knew over 29,000 words, thus making him a vocabulary genius!
And when he couldn't come up with an appropriate word in his writing, he invented a new one. In fact, Shakespeare coined over 1,700 words commonly used in the English
language today and popularized others that were already in use. Among words credited to him are amazement, assassination, downstairs, employer, fashionable, silliness and useful. Phrases and idioms include break the ice, come what may, and love is blind.
For Shakespeare, it seems all's well that ends well. As each play comes to the stage or screen again, his genius continues to live on through his words.
con- 反對
controversy n. 爭論/爭議
=> different groups of people might have different opinions about something
controversy over
eg: The trial caused a controversy over the issue of women's rights.
=> 這個審判造成有關女性停權這個議題的爭議。
controversial adj. 爭議性高的
eg: a controversial movie 一部引起爭議的電影
credit where credit is due 任何某人的貢獻或能力
credit n. 功勞
due adj 應該還的
eg: Even though Mandy might be a little too aggressive, credit where credit is due - she is very efficient.
=> 儘管Mandy有一點強勢，但是如果實至名歸的話 - 她是個非常有效率的人。
popular adj. 受歡迎的
popularize v. 使普及/使流行
eg: The Internet has helped to popularize eco-friendly ideas and products.
=> 網際網路對於幫助推廣環保觀念和環保產品扮演很重要的角色。
sonnet n. 十四行詩,商籟詩
=> a poem with fourteen lines
credit where credit is due
=> They acknowledged Shakespeare is the person who was responsible for writing all of
these poems and all of these plays.
coin v. 創造/杜撰
popularize v. 使通俗化;普及;宣傳
=> make it popular
Break the ice. （尤指聚會等開始時，用言語或行動）打破隔閡/打頭說話
=> Take a situation that is a little bit uncomfortable and you're making it more relax for people
all's well that ends well
=> Everything turns out well
//== Chat room ==//
To be or not to be, that is the question.
=> 生存還是毀滅，這是個值得考慮的問題。
=> 出自於莎士比亞的哈姆雷特
=> 經常被套用在英文報章雜誌的標題或廣告詞
=> 通常用來表示做與不做之間進退維谷的狀態
如果你不確定該不該買某樣東西，你可以說
=> To buy or not to buy
如果外面天氣很好，心裡面很針扎該工作還是要偷得浮生半日閒
=> to work or not to work
莎士比亞的作品
Hamlet
King Lear
Macbeth
//== More Information ==//
Shakespeare's plays were written in a poetic style known as blank verse. Basically. It's poetry that doesn't rhyme, but it's still pleasing to the ear because it imitates the rhythms of natural speech. Blank verse is very flexible, allowing poets and playwrights to express themselves freely. Some of Shakespeare's more famous blank verse narratives include Romeo and Juliet, Hamiet, Midsummer Night's Dream and Antony and Cleopatra.
20100427 In William's Words (2)
In William's Words
All the world's a stage
Theater was the primary source of entertainment during the Elizabethan Era, and Queen Elizabeth herself was likely one of its biggest patrons. A superb talent like Shakespeare no doubt flourished in it. Aside from being a playwright. Shakespeare was also a well-known actor during his lifetime. And since actors of the day were jacks-of-all-trades, it can be assumed that Shakespeare was skilled in dancing, singing, acrobatics and playing musical instruments. He rose to fame when he joined The Lord Chamberlain's Men, an acting company protected by the Queen herself.
And it wasn't just his acting that impressed the Queen. As a prolific writer, Shakespeare made quite a name for himself, even during his day. His plays were often purchased and performed for large audiences in locations such as the famous Globe Theatre, of which Shakespeare was part owner. Records show that The Lord Chamberlain's Men performed at least two of Shakespeare's plays before the Queen and her court, further affirming Shakespeare's fame and talent. Even as the plague shut down theaters all over London in the 1590s, Shakespeare continued to pen plays and poetry that would eventually make history.
patron n. 贊助者
eg: The first lady is the patron of several charities
=> 第一夫人是好幾個慈善團體的贊助者。
eg: The main patron of this dance company is a successful businessman from Texas.
=> 這個舞團主要的贊助者是一位來自德州的富商。
prolific adj. 多產的/富於創造力的
eg: He's probably the most prolific novelist of his generation.
=> 他可能是同一期的小說家中最多產的一位。
eg: The 80's were the director's most prolific period.
=> 80年代是這位導演創作最豐富的階段。
prolific adj. 動植物繁殖快的/多產的
eg: Rats are extremely prolific.
=> 老鼠繁殖得非常的快。
firm adj. 堅定的
affirm v. 證明/確認
eg: The success of this project further affirms Victor's leadership in this company.
=> 這個案子的成功更確認Victor在這家公司中的領導地位。
affirm v. 聲明/堅稱
eg: The suspect affirmed his innocence throughout the interrogation.
=> 嫌犯在整個審訊中都堅稱自己是清白的。
Elizabethan Era 伊麗莎白女王的時代
jack-of-all-trades 能做多種不同工作的人
plague n. 瘟疫
//= Chat room ==//
名詞當動詞用
=> 英文是可以活用的語言，需多名詞往往會演變成動詞
Shakespeare continued to pen plays and poetry that would eventually make history.
=> pen plays : write plays
pen n. 筆
to pen something 用筆寫下來
=> use a pen to write something
I.D. card n. 身分證
to card someone 要求某人出示身分證，用意為確定某人是不是of legal age
of legal age 屬於法定年齡
Google 搜尋網站
to google something 上google網站查詢
All the world's a stage
Theater was the primary source of entertainment during the Elizabethan Era, and Queen Elizabeth herself was likely one of its biggest patrons. A superb talent like Shakespeare no doubt flourished in it. Aside from being a playwright. Shakespeare was also a well-known actor during his lifetime. And since actors of the day were jacks-of-all-trades, it can be assumed that Shakespeare was skilled in dancing, singing, acrobatics and playing musical instruments. He rose to fame when he joined The Lord Chamberlain's Men, an acting company protected by the Queen herself.
And it wasn't just his acting that impressed the Queen. As a prolific writer, Shakespeare made quite a name for himself, even during his day. His plays were often purchased and performed for large audiences in locations such as the famous Globe Theatre, of which Shakespeare was part owner. Records show that The Lord Chamberlain's Men performed at least two of Shakespeare's plays before the Queen and her court, further affirming Shakespeare's fame and talent. Even as the plague shut down theaters all over London in the 1590s, Shakespeare continued to pen plays and poetry that would eventually make history.
patron n. 贊助者
eg: The first lady is the patron of several charities
=> 第一夫人是好幾個慈善團體的贊助者。
eg: The main patron of this dance company is a successful businessman from Texas.
=> 這個舞團主要的贊助者是一位來自德州的富商。
prolific adj. 多產的/富於創造力的
eg: He's probably the most prolific novelist of his generation.
=> 他可能是同一期的小說家中最多產的一位。
eg: The 80's were the director's most prolific period.
=> 80年代是這位導演創作最豐富的階段。
prolific adj. 動植物繁殖快的/多產的
eg: Rats are extremely prolific.
=> 老鼠繁殖得非常的快。
firm adj. 堅定的
affirm v. 證明/確認
eg: The success of this project further affirms Victor's leadership in this company.
=> 這個案子的成功更確認Victor在這家公司中的領導地位。
affirm v. 聲明/堅稱
eg: The suspect affirmed his innocence throughout the interrogation.
=> 嫌犯在整個審訊中都堅稱自己是清白的。
Elizabethan Era 伊麗莎白女王的時代
jack-of-all-trades 能做多種不同工作的人
plague n. 瘟疫
//= Chat room ==//
名詞當動詞用
=> 英文是可以活用的語言，需多名詞往往會演變成動詞
Shakespeare continued to pen plays and poetry that would eventually make history.
=> pen plays : write plays
pen n. 筆
to pen something 用筆寫下來
=> use a pen to write something
I.D. card n. 身分證
to card someone 要求某人出示身分證，用意為確定某人是不是of legal age
of legal age 屬於法定年齡
Google 搜尋網站
to google something 上google網站查詢
2010年4月26日 星期一
20100424 Let's Talk Baseball (2)
Let's Talk Baseball
Baseball doesn't just stay in the ballpark. Many terms derived from baseball have come into everyday use by people who have never seen a pitcher throw a pitch. "Right off the bat," I'd say there are hundreds of terms - but that's just a "ballpark figure." When things are going right and you're successful, you're "batting a thousand." But all too often, you "strike out" at something no matter how "on the ball" You are. When you want to be successful, it is imperative that you "keep your eye on the ball" and make sure you're not "out in left field."
With any project, you need to "step up to the plate" before you commence. But you also need to be sure that you're not "out of your league" and that you know the "ground rules." when you want to support a friend, you "go to bat" for them when they need help. When you can't meet with a friend, you "take a rain check" and promise to "touch base" at a later time. So when learning English, it's inevitable that you'll learn a few baseball idioms. You just have to "play ball"!
//== More Information ==//
American English is loaded with baseball idioms. Here are just a few Right off the bat means at the very beginning. Ballpark figure is a great way to talk about a general number rather than an exact one. Keeping your eye on the ball means to pay careful attention to what you are doing. And To touch base means to talk to someone about something.
Baseball doesn't just stay in the ballpark. Many terms derived from baseball have come into everyday use by people who have never seen a pitcher throw a pitch. "Right off the bat," I'd say there are hundreds of terms - but that's just a "ballpark figure." When things are going right and you're successful, you're "batting a thousand." But all too often, you "strike out" at something no matter how "on the ball" You are. When you want to be successful, it is imperative that you "keep your eye on the ball" and make sure you're not "out in left field."
With any project, you need to "step up to the plate" before you commence. But you also need to be sure that you're not "out of your league" and that you know the "ground rules." when you want to support a friend, you "go to bat" for them when they need help. When you can't meet with a friend, you "take a rain check" and promise to "touch base" at a later time. So when learning English, it's inevitable that you'll learn a few baseball idioms. You just have to "play ball"!
//== More Information ==//
American English is loaded with baseball idioms. Here are just a few Right off the bat means at the very beginning. Ballpark figure is a great way to talk about a general number rather than an exact one. Keeping your eye on the ball means to pay careful attention to what you are doing. And To touch base means to talk to someone about something.
20100426 In William's Words (1)
In William's Words
William Shakespeare plays continue to educate and entertain
What's in a name?
Genius - if your name happens to be William Shakespeare. The name "William Shakespeare" is among the most recognized and revered in history. Widely known as a literary genius, the famed playwright and poet has earned such nicknames as the Bard and England's national poet. His plays have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Even today his creative achievements have yet to be surpassed. Still, in spite of his fame, very little is known about the man himself.
It is believed that William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-on-Avon. As a boy, he likely attended grammar school and studied subjects like Greek and Latin literature. However, for reasons unknown, Shakespeare left school when he was 15 and never again pursued formal education. Just three years later, in 1581, he married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior. Soon after, they started a family. No one really knows how or when Shakespeare first began writing and acting, but by the 1590s his interest in these areas had gained momentum. As a result, he left Stratford-on-Avon and moved to London to pursue his dreams.
playwright n. 劇作家
=> a person who writes play
bard n. 吟遊詩人
the Bard n.
=> a person who write poem
=> 稱莎士比亞為the one and the only poet
In William's Words
=> in words that William Shakespeare has used
What's in a name?
=> The sentence is from Romeo and Juliet
Soon after, they started a family
=> Soon after, they began to have children.
revere v. 尊敬/尊從
=> greatly admire
revere for something
eg: People revere the great artist not just for his talent but also for his character.
人們尊從這位偉大的藝術家不僅因為他的才華，還因為他的品德崇高。
eg: The professor was revered for his achievements in his field.
=> 這位教授因為在他的專業領域的成就而被人尊敬。
sur- 在...之上
surpass v. 超越/優於
=> exceed/go beyond
eg: The movie's success surpassed everyone's expectations.
=> 這部電影的成功超過了每個人的期望。
eg: It's not easy to surpass the well-trained baseball team.
=> 要勝過這隊訓練有素的棒球隊並不容易。
momentum n. 氣勢/衝勁
=> the force that keep something moving forward
eg: The movie lost its momentum half-way through when the hero went missing.
=> 這部電影到了一半主角失蹤時，情結就沒有那麼緊湊了。
eg: The tennis player maintained his momentum throughout the game.
=> 這位網球選手整場球賽都氣勢不減。
//== Chat room ==//
senior adj. 資格老的/資深的/前輩的/高級的
senior citizen
=> 美國人用來稱呼老年人的微婉說法
=> 因為old聽起來很直接，有些老年人不喜歡聽到old這個字
=> 在美國被稱做senior citizen的老人，通常可以得到種種的優待
=> 去商店購物/去電影院看電影都能打折
=> 搭乘大眾工具可以享受半價
senior adj. 年紀比較大的
句型時間 + 所有格 + senior 比某人大多少
eg: Steven is five years my senior.
=> Steven 比我大5歲。
junior adj. 年紀比較小的
eg: I am five years Steven's junior.
=> 我比Steven小5歲。
//== Gramar on the go ==//
He married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior.
=> He married Anne Hathaway, a woman is older than him by eight years.
his senior
=> older than him
his senior / her senior
eg: The actress is dating a man fifteen years her senior.
eg: Timothy's sister is twelve years his senior.
William Shakespeare plays continue to educate and entertain
What's in a name?
Genius - if your name happens to be William Shakespeare. The name "William Shakespeare" is among the most recognized and revered in history. Widely known as a literary genius, the famed playwright and poet has earned such nicknames as the Bard and England's national poet. His plays have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Even today his creative achievements have yet to be surpassed. Still, in spite of his fame, very little is known about the man himself.
It is believed that William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-on-Avon. As a boy, he likely attended grammar school and studied subjects like Greek and Latin literature. However, for reasons unknown, Shakespeare left school when he was 15 and never again pursued formal education. Just three years later, in 1581, he married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior. Soon after, they started a family. No one really knows how or when Shakespeare first began writing and acting, but by the 1590s his interest in these areas had gained momentum. As a result, he left Stratford-on-Avon and moved to London to pursue his dreams.
playwright n. 劇作家
=> a person who writes play
bard n. 吟遊詩人
the Bard n.
=> a person who write poem
=> 稱莎士比亞為the one and the only poet
In William's Words
=> in words that William Shakespeare has used
What's in a name?
=> The sentence is from Romeo and Juliet
Soon after, they started a family
=> Soon after, they began to have children.
revere v. 尊敬/尊從
=> greatly admire
revere for something
eg: People revere the great artist not just for his talent but also for his character.
人們尊從這位偉大的藝術家不僅因為他的才華，還因為他的品德崇高。
eg: The professor was revered for his achievements in his field.
=> 這位教授因為在他的專業領域的成就而被人尊敬。
sur- 在...之上
surpass v. 超越/優於
=> exceed/go beyond
eg: The movie's success surpassed everyone's expectations.
=> 這部電影的成功超過了每個人的期望。
eg: It's not easy to surpass the well-trained baseball team.
=> 要勝過這隊訓練有素的棒球隊並不容易。
momentum n. 氣勢/衝勁
=> the force that keep something moving forward
eg: The movie lost its momentum half-way through when the hero went missing.
=> 這部電影到了一半主角失蹤時，情結就沒有那麼緊湊了。
eg: The tennis player maintained his momentum throughout the game.
=> 這位網球選手整場球賽都氣勢不減。
//== Chat room ==//
senior adj. 資格老的/資深的/前輩的/高級的
senior citizen
=> 美國人用來稱呼老年人的微婉說法
=> 因為old聽起來很直接，有些老年人不喜歡聽到old這個字
=> 在美國被稱做senior citizen的老人，通常可以得到種種的優待
=> 去商店購物/去電影院看電影都能打折
=> 搭乘大眾工具可以享受半價
senior adj. 年紀比較大的
句型時間 + 所有格 + senior 比某人大多少
eg: Steven is five years my senior.
=> Steven 比我大5歲。
junior adj. 年紀比較小的
eg: I am five years Steven's junior.
=> 我比Steven小5歲。
//== Gramar on the go ==//
He married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior.
=> He married Anne Hathaway, a woman is older than him by eight years.
his senior
=> older than him
his senior / her senior
eg: The actress is dating a man fifteen years her senior.
eg: Timothy's sister is twelve years his senior.
2010年4月23日 星期五
20100423 Let's Talk Baseball (1)
Let's Talk Baseball
Baseball has contributed more words to American English than any other sport
"Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd..." goes the most popular song about baseball. And while enjoying a game, I wonder if I will be able to understand it. The sport of baseball uses a bewildering number of terms. The presminent baseball dictionary the Dickson Baseball Dictionary includes more than 10,000 entries. The world "hit" alone has more than 100 synonyms. With such a dizzying array of terms, baseball could indeed be its own language.
Take this sentence, for exaqmple: The jellbean corked the avocado, but instead of the expected dinger, it turned into a can of corn. For the uninitiated the sentence simply means: "The rookie (jellbean) hit (corked) the pitch that looked like it could be a home run (avocado). But instead of the expected home run (dinger), it turned into an easily caught fly ball (a can of corn)." Some baseball jargon can be more easily understood. When it's the "top of the seventh," the inning is just beginning. The "bottom of the seventh" would mean the second half of the inning. And when the "bases are loaded," there is a runner on each one.
bewilder v. 使迷惑/使糊塗
bewildering adj. 令人迷惑的/使人迷糊的
eg: The bewildering road signs got us lost so it took us a long time to get to the hotel.
=> 令人困惑的路標讓我們迷路了，所以我們花了很長時間才到旅館。
eminent adj. 傑出的
pre-eminent adj. 更為卓越的/最出類拔萃
eg: He's a pre-eminent authority in the field of bio-chemistry.
=> 他是生化學這個領域最傑出的權威人士。
eg: Harry feels so honored to be one of the pre-eminent scholar's students.
=> 能夠成為這位卓越的學者的門生之一，Harry 感到相當榮幸.
uninitiated adj. 缺乏經驗的
the uninitiated 缺乏經驗的人/門外漢
eg: His lecture is way too difficult for the uninitiated to understand.
=> 他的講課對於不熟悉這個領域的人來說實在是太困難了。
eg: This booklet is designed for the uninitiated.
=> 這本小冊子是為門外漢所設計的。
jargon 行話/黑話
inning 棒球的局數
//== Chat room ==//
Take me out to the ball game.
=> 美國的棒球國歌
seventh-inning stretch 第七局的伸懶腰
=> 美國棒球會在第七局有seventh-inning stretch，
=> 觀眾會利用這個時間起來伸伸懶腰
=> 主辦單位則會播放這首棒球國歌來帶動唱
=> 這是美國棒球圈的傳統
Baseball has contributed more words to American English than any other sport
"Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd..." goes the most popular song about baseball. And while enjoying a game, I wonder if I will be able to understand it. The sport of baseball uses a bewildering number of terms. The presminent baseball dictionary the Dickson Baseball Dictionary includes more than 10,000 entries. The world "hit" alone has more than 100 synonyms. With such a dizzying array of terms, baseball could indeed be its own language.
Take this sentence, for exaqmple: The jellbean corked the avocado, but instead of the expected dinger, it turned into a can of corn. For the uninitiated the sentence simply means: "The rookie (jellbean) hit (corked) the pitch that looked like it could be a home run (avocado). But instead of the expected home run (dinger), it turned into an easily caught fly ball (a can of corn)." Some baseball jargon can be more easily understood. When it's the "top of the seventh," the inning is just beginning. The "bottom of the seventh" would mean the second half of the inning. And when the "bases are loaded," there is a runner on each one.
bewilder v. 使迷惑/使糊塗
bewildering adj. 令人迷惑的/使人迷糊的
eg: The bewildering road signs got us lost so it took us a long time to get to the hotel.
=> 令人困惑的路標讓我們迷路了，所以我們花了很長時間才到旅館。
eminent adj. 傑出的
pre-eminent adj. 更為卓越的/最出類拔萃
eg: He's a pre-eminent authority in the field of bio-chemistry.
=> 他是生化學這個領域最傑出的權威人士。
eg: Harry feels so honored to be one of the pre-eminent scholar's students.
=> 能夠成為這位卓越的學者的門生之一，Harry 感到相當榮幸.
uninitiated adj. 缺乏經驗的
the uninitiated 缺乏經驗的人/門外漢
eg: His lecture is way too difficult for the uninitiated to understand.
=> 他的講課對於不熟悉這個領域的人來說實在是太困難了。
eg: This booklet is designed for the uninitiated.
=> 這本小冊子是為門外漢所設計的。
jargon 行話/黑話
inning 棒球的局數
//== Chat room ==//
Take me out to the ball game.
=> 美國的棒球國歌
seventh-inning stretch 第七局的伸懶腰
=> 美國棒球會在第七局有seventh-inning stretch，
=> 觀眾會利用這個時間起來伸伸懶腰
=> 主辦單位則會播放這首棒球國歌來帶動唱
=> 這是美國棒球圈的傳統
2010年4月22日 星期四
20100422 Earth Day's 40th Anniversary (1)
Earth Day's 40th Anniversary
Over a billion worldwide are celebrating our planet
Today people all over the world celebrate a truly global event. Earth Day aims to promote the protection of the earth's environment. Since 1970, this day has been helping people, compani es and countries become green.
Earth Day began with around 20 million Americans demonstration in streets, parks and schools. Now, over 1 billion people in 180 countries observe this day. Earth Day Network has asked people to register and complete one "act of green" today. An act might be picking up garbage or making a commute to work more efficient.
People have been recording their acts on the network's website. The network hopes for 1 billion acts in total! Since this year marks Earth Day's 40th anniversary, different activities will go on all week. On April 25th, people will gather for official celebrations in 40 major cities worldwide. They will celebrate the countless green accomplishments of the week and the last 40 years.
So join the action. Help the planet and its people by doing something green today.
globe n. 地球
global 全球的/全球性的
=> refer to globe
=> somethimes we use the word globe to talk about the earth, planet or the world
=> the whole world/planet
eg: The decreasing Ozone layer is a global problem that affects all parts of the world.
=> 日益減少的臭氧層，可能是全球性的問題影響世界的每一個部分
=> Only global cooperation can help end the food shortage in developing countries.
=> 發展中國家糧食短缺的問題唯有透過全球性合作協助才能解決
demonstrate 此指抗議或示威
demonstrate against something or someone
=> demostration involves people walking together either public place and
=> usually using signs to share their opinion
eg: Thousands of people were on the streets demonstrating against the new tax policy.
=> 上千人走上街頭抗議新的稅制
demonstration n. 抗議/示威
eg: The anti-war demonstration lasted for a long time.
=> 反戰的示威持續了一段很長的時間
register 登記/註冊
eg: You need to register first then you can have access to the website.
=> 要進入這個網站前要先登入
eg: All trainees need to register before entering the new quarter.
=> 所有的學員要進入新的寢室之前都要先註冊
go green
=> become a little more friendly to the enviroment
//== Chat room ==//
litter
eg: Do not litter.
eg: Don't be a litter bug.
garbage/trash 垃圾(美國人)
rubbish n. 垃圾(英國人)
junk 除了指垃圾也可指破銅爛鐵
=> something is worn out, can be throw away.
=> We might call broken furniture junk.
=> 有些人家堆積了很多junk，那不是垃圾，那只是主人不捨得丟掉的破舊的東西
refuse n. 廢棄物(注意發音)
=> more formal term that refers to waste
=> 一般會話比較少用
refuse v. 拒绝
//== More Information ==//
Here are 6 Ways to Go Green:
1. Ride a bike or car pool to work.
2. Make sure the light bulbs in your house are efficient.
3. Always take your own bags to the grocery store.
4. Use things (like bags and containers) at least two limes or more.
5. Avoid buying bottled water. But if you do, reuse the bottle.
6. Take your own chopsticks when you eat out.
//== Grammar on the go ==//
Earth Day began with around 20 million Americans demonstrating in streets, parks and schools.
Earth day began with around 20 million Americans. They were demonstrating in streets, parks and schools.
當有兩個句子的主詞一樣時，可以省略第二個句子的主詞，並將第二個句子的動詞改成Ving形式
Tom saw Fred is in the cafeteria. He is eating
= Tom saw Fred is eating in the cafeteria.
Sandra saw him in the classroom. He was practicing his speech.
= Sandra saw him practicing his speech in the classroom.
Over a billion worldwide are celebrating our planet
Today people all over the world celebrate a truly global event. Earth Day aims to promote the protection of the earth's environment. Since 1970, this day has been helping people, compani es and countries become green.
Earth Day began with around 20 million Americans demonstration in streets, parks and schools. Now, over 1 billion people in 180 countries observe this day. Earth Day Network has asked people to register and complete one "act of green" today. An act might be picking up garbage or making a commute to work more efficient.
People have been recording their acts on the network's website. The network hopes for 1 billion acts in total! Since this year marks Earth Day's 40th anniversary, different activities will go on all week. On April 25th, people will gather for official celebrations in 40 major cities worldwide. They will celebrate the countless green accomplishments of the week and the last 40 years.
So join the action. Help the planet and its people by doing something green today.
globe n. 地球
global 全球的/全球性的
=> refer to globe
=> somethimes we use the word globe to talk about the earth, planet or the world
=> the whole world/planet
eg: The decreasing Ozone layer is a global problem that affects all parts of the world.
=> 日益減少的臭氧層，可能是全球性的問題影響世界的每一個部分
=> Only global cooperation can help end the food shortage in developing countries.
=> 發展中國家糧食短缺的問題唯有透過全球性合作協助才能解決
demonstrate 此指抗議或示威
demonstrate against something or someone
=> demostration involves people walking together either public place and
=> usually using signs to share their opinion
eg: Thousands of people were on the streets demonstrating against the new tax policy.
=> 上千人走上街頭抗議新的稅制
demonstration n. 抗議/示威
eg: The anti-war demonstration lasted for a long time.
=> 反戰的示威持續了一段很長的時間
register 登記/註冊
eg: You need to register first then you can have access to the website.
=> 要進入這個網站前要先登入
eg: All trainees need to register before entering the new quarter.
=> 所有的學員要進入新的寢室之前都要先註冊
go green
=> become a little more friendly to the enviroment
//== Chat room ==//
litter
eg: Do not litter.
eg: Don't be a litter bug.
garbage/trash 垃圾(美國人)
rubbish n. 垃圾(英國人)
junk 除了指垃圾也可指破銅爛鐵
=> something is worn out, can be throw away.
=> We might call broken furniture junk.
=> 有些人家堆積了很多junk，那不是垃圾，那只是主人不捨得丟掉的破舊的東西
refuse n. 廢棄物(注意發音)
=> more formal term that refers to waste
=> 一般會話比較少用
refuse v. 拒绝
//== More Information ==//
Here are 6 Ways to Go Green:
1. Ride a bike or car pool to work.
2. Make sure the light bulbs in your house are efficient.
3. Always take your own bags to the grocery store.
4. Use things (like bags and containers) at least two limes or more.
5. Avoid buying bottled water. But if you do, reuse the bottle.
6. Take your own chopsticks when you eat out.
//== Grammar on the go ==//
Earth Day began with around 20 million Americans demonstrating in streets, parks and schools.
Earth day began with around 20 million Americans. They were demonstrating in streets, parks and schools.
當有兩個句子的主詞一樣時，可以省略第二個句子的主詞，並將第二個句子的動詞改成Ving形式
Tom saw Fred is in the cafeteria. He is eating
= Tom saw Fred is eating in the cafeteria.
Sandra saw him in the classroom. He was practicing his speech.
= Sandra saw him practicing his speech in the classroom.
2010年4月21日 星期三
20100421 The End of the Year (1)
The End of the Year
You hold me, you guide me. Whenever I look back. I know you're watching over me
Time flies like a speeding arrow. After a year of hard work, I can finally see the end of my freshman year. After months of adjustments, I feel comfortable living in this environment. This year has been such a blessing for me. I am amazed by how God has led me. His grace and love have held me together through many difficulties; His Word and promise have given me strength. I can't wait to go back to Taipei and share what I have learned this year – this wonderful and amazing year – with my friends.
I can hardly wait to start my summer vacation and am already making plans. I had a bad dream a few days ago that my friends in Taipei forgot me; however, I'm sure it was just a bad dream, right? I am enjoying my life. I've really pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone this first year of college. I am glad that I made some American friends - it helped me blend more into this society. Drinking my Caramel Frappuccino and writing my blog, I am ready to go to the library. Finals are next week, my flight is the week after next. Coffee, I love you.
blessing n. 祝福
=> extremely good that makes you feel happy/comfortable/thankful
=> good things coming from god
eg: Eric asked for his future father-in-law's blessing to marry his daughter.
=> Eric請求他未來的岳父為他們的婚姻祝福。
blessing n. 幸運的事
eg: It was really a blessing that no one got hurt in the car accident.
=> 車禍中無人受傷真地是很幸運的事。
comfort zone 一個人覺得舒適/安全的範圍
=> a situation you feel comfortable
eg: Rob is fairly shy, so he was out of his comfort zone when he gave that speech.
eg: The training actually forced you to step out of your comfort zone and face your fears.
=> 這個訓練真的會強迫您離開舒適的範圍面對自己的恐懼。
blend v. 融入/混合
=> mix
eg: Cathy moved a lot as a child, so it's easy for her to blend with different kinds of people.
=> Cathy小時候常常般家，所以她很容易跟不同的人打成一片。
eg: The sofa blends well with the color of the walls.
=> 沙發與牆壁的顏色配合得很好。
The End of the Year
= The End of the School Year
//== Chat room ==/
melting pot 大熔爐
=> 很多人比喻美國為melting pot，
=> 顧名思義不同的族群背景的人彼此融合(blend)在一起
=> 族群融合是一種迷思，錯誤的以為美國是一個民族大熔爐
=> 因此在過去二三十年越來越少人提到大熔爐
=> 取而代之的是salad bowl
=> 也就是多元文化的提倡
=> 在沙拉碗中大家都是具有特色的/有風味的
=> 而這些風味是組合起來的，而不是融合
blend v. 融入/混合
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
After a year of hard work, I can finally see the end of my freshman year.
=> After a year of hard work, I can finally imagine the end of my freshman year.
see v.
=> consider using "see" when you want to talk about something is not hard to imagine
eg: Ted can see himself opening a small restaurant.
see v.
=> it's hard for you to understand
eg: Stanley's plan is so strange; it's hard for me to see how it could ever work.
see v. 看見
=> I see clouds in the sky.
You hold me, you guide me. Whenever I look back. I know you're watching over me
Time flies like a speeding arrow. After a year of hard work, I can finally see the end of my freshman year. After months of adjustments, I feel comfortable living in this environment. This year has been such a blessing for me. I am amazed by how God has led me. His grace and love have held me together through many difficulties; His Word and promise have given me strength. I can't wait to go back to Taipei and share what I have learned this year – this wonderful and amazing year – with my friends.
I can hardly wait to start my summer vacation and am already making plans. I had a bad dream a few days ago that my friends in Taipei forgot me; however, I'm sure it was just a bad dream, right? I am enjoying my life. I've really pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone this first year of college. I am glad that I made some American friends - it helped me blend more into this society. Drinking my Caramel Frappuccino and writing my blog, I am ready to go to the library. Finals are next week, my flight is the week after next. Coffee, I love you.
blessing n. 祝福
=> extremely good that makes you feel happy/comfortable/thankful
=> good things coming from god
eg: Eric asked for his future father-in-law's blessing to marry his daughter.
=> Eric請求他未來的岳父為他們的婚姻祝福。
blessing n. 幸運的事
eg: It was really a blessing that no one got hurt in the car accident.
=> 車禍中無人受傷真地是很幸運的事。
comfort zone 一個人覺得舒適/安全的範圍
=> a situation you feel comfortable
eg: Rob is fairly shy, so he was out of his comfort zone when he gave that speech.
eg: The training actually forced you to step out of your comfort zone and face your fears.
=> 這個訓練真的會強迫您離開舒適的範圍面對自己的恐懼。
blend v. 融入/混合
=> mix
eg: Cathy moved a lot as a child, so it's easy for her to blend with different kinds of people.
=> Cathy小時候常常般家，所以她很容易跟不同的人打成一片。
eg: The sofa blends well with the color of the walls.
=> 沙發與牆壁的顏色配合得很好。
The End of the Year
= The End of the School Year
//== Chat room ==/
melting pot 大熔爐
=> 很多人比喻美國為melting pot，
=> 顧名思義不同的族群背景的人彼此融合(blend)在一起
=> 族群融合是一種迷思，錯誤的以為美國是一個民族大熔爐
=> 因此在過去二三十年越來越少人提到大熔爐
=> 取而代之的是salad bowl
=> 也就是多元文化的提倡
=> 在沙拉碗中大家都是具有特色的/有風味的
=> 而這些風味是組合起來的，而不是融合
blend v. 融入/混合
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
After a year of hard work, I can finally see the end of my freshman year.
=> After a year of hard work, I can finally imagine the end of my freshman year.
see v.
=> consider using "see" when you want to talk about something is not hard to imagine
eg: Ted can see himself opening a small restaurant.
see v.
=> it's hard for you to understand
eg: Stanley's plan is so strange; it's hard for me to see how it could ever work.
see v. 看見
=> I see clouds in the sky.
2010年4月20日 星期二
20100420 A Life of Dance (2)
A Life of Dance
Putting family first
After that sleepless night in Spain, Chang knew she had to return to her family. Doing so could have meant the end of her professional life, but to her surprise, it was only the beginning. Back in Taiwan, she continued to perform on TV. At one point, she was able to go to Japan and continue studying dance -- with her dcance teacher from Spain. But dance was becoming less important in her life. Her beloved family was growing, and in 1984 they imigrated to the United States.
There, she lived with four generations of her family, eventually caring for her grandchildren. Though she continued to produce dance shows, it looked as though her dancing days were over. But in 2007, while listening to her granddaughter play the piano, Chang started to dance again. Her family saw her dancing and encouraged her to return to Spain and continue with her training. Years before, Little Rabbit had chosen her family over her dreams. But now, with her family's enthusiastic support, she has returned to her dream of becoming a world-class dancer.
beloved adj. 心愛的/親愛的
=> love very much
eg: He's willing to do anything for his beloved children.
=> 為了親愛的孩子，他什麼事他都願意作.
Her beloved family was growing, and in 1984 they imigrated to the United States.
=> Her family she loved very much was growing, and in 1984 they imigrated to the United States.
beloved adj. 受鍾愛的/受喜愛的
eg: The family's beloved dog was missing. They looked everywhere trying to find him.
這家人所鐘愛的狗失蹤了。他們到處試著去找它。
produce v. 生產/本課指製作電視或電影/安排上演或演出
eg: He produced a documentary movie about illegal immigrants.
=> 他制作了一部有關非法移民的新聞紀錄片的電影。
eg: She's producing a children's play at the local theatre.
=> 它她安排了一部小朋友的戲劇在當地劇院演出。
enthusiasm n. 熱心
enthusiastic adj. 熱心的/熱情的/熱烈的
eg: He's enthusiastic about playing guitar.
=> 他對彈吉他充滿著熱情。
eg: She's enthusiastic about politics.
=> 她對政治非常的熱衷。
//== Chat room ==//
class n. 水準/等級
world-class 世界級的/世界水準的
=> one of the best in the world
first class 一流的/最高級/頭等的/頭等艙
business class 商務艙
economy class 經濟艙
= coach 經濟艙(前面不可以冠詞)
eg: I have a limited budget, so I'm flying coach.
=> 我的預算有限，所以我要搭乘經濟艙
Putting family first
After that sleepless night in Spain, Chang knew she had to return to her family. Doing so could have meant the end of her professional life, but to her surprise, it was only the beginning. Back in Taiwan, she continued to perform on TV. At one point, she was able to go to Japan and continue studying dance -- with her dcance teacher from Spain. But dance was becoming less important in her life. Her beloved family was growing, and in 1984 they imigrated to the United States.
There, she lived with four generations of her family, eventually caring for her grandchildren. Though she continued to produce dance shows, it looked as though her dancing days were over. But in 2007, while listening to her granddaughter play the piano, Chang started to dance again. Her family saw her dancing and encouraged her to return to Spain and continue with her training. Years before, Little Rabbit had chosen her family over her dreams. But now, with her family's enthusiastic support, she has returned to her dream of becoming a world-class dancer.
beloved adj. 心愛的/親愛的
=> love very much
eg: He's willing to do anything for his beloved children.
=> 為了親愛的孩子，他什麼事他都願意作.
Her beloved family was growing, and in 1984 they imigrated to the United States.
=> Her family she loved very much was growing, and in 1984 they imigrated to the United States.
beloved adj. 受鍾愛的/受喜愛的
eg: The family's beloved dog was missing. They looked everywhere trying to find him.
這家人所鐘愛的狗失蹤了。他們到處試著去找它。
produce v. 生產/本課指製作電視或電影/安排上演或演出
eg: He produced a documentary movie about illegal immigrants.
=> 他制作了一部有關非法移民的新聞紀錄片的電影。
eg: She's producing a children's play at the local theatre.
=> 它她安排了一部小朋友的戲劇在當地劇院演出。
enthusiasm n. 熱心
enthusiastic adj. 熱心的/熱情的/熱烈的
eg: He's enthusiastic about playing guitar.
=> 他對彈吉他充滿著熱情。
eg: She's enthusiastic about politics.
=> 她對政治非常的熱衷。
//== Chat room ==//
class n. 水準/等級
world-class 世界級的/世界水準的
=> one of the best in the world
first class 一流的/最高級/頭等的/頭等艙
business class 商務艙
economy class 經濟艙
= coach 經濟艙(前面不可以冠詞)
eg: I have a limited budget, so I'm flying coach.
=> 我的預算有限，所以我要搭乘經濟艙
2010年4月19日 星期一
Steve Jobs在2005年對史丹佛畢業生的演講
‘You’ve got to find what you love,’ Jobs says
This is the text of the Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered on June 12, 2005.
I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I’ve ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That’s it. No big deal. Just three stories.
The first story is about connecting the dots.
I dropped out of Reed College after the first 6 months, but then stayed around as a drop-in for another 18 months or so before I really quit. So why did I drop out?
It started before I was born. My biological mother was a young, unwed college graduate student, and she decided to put me up for adoption. She felt very strongly that I should be adopted by college graduates, so everything was all set for me to be adopted at birth by a lawyer and his wife. Except that when I popped out they decided at the last minute that they really wanted a girl. So my parents, who were on a waiting list, got a call in the middle of the night asking: “We have an unexpected baby boy; do you want him?” They said: “Of course.” My biological mother later found out that my mother had never graduated from college and that my father had never graduated from high school. She refused to sign the final adoption papers. She only relented a few months later when my parents promised that I would someday go to college.
And 17 years later I did go to college. But I naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stanford, and all of my working-class parents’ savings were being spent on my college tuition. After six months, I couldn’t see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out. And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The minute I dropped out I could stop taking the required classes that didn’t interest me, and begin dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.
It wasn’t all romantic. I didn’t have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends’ rooms, I returned coke bottles for the 5￠ deposits to buy food with, and I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it. And much of what I stumbled into by following my curiosity and intuition turned out to be priceless later on. Let me give you one example:
Reed College at that time offered perhaps the best calligraphy instruction in the country. Throughout the campus every poster, every label on every drawer, was beautifully hand calligraphed. Because I had dropped out and didn’t have to take the normal classes, I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to do this. I learned about serif and san serif typefaces, about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations, about what makes great typography great. It was beautiful, historical, artistically subtle in a way that science can’t capture, and I found it fascinating.
None of this had even a hope of any practical application in my life. But ten years later, when we were designing the first Macintosh computer, it all came back to me. And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, its likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.
Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.
My second story is about love and loss.
I was lucky – I found what I loved to do early in life. Woz and I started Apple in my parents garage when I was 20. We worked hard, and in 10 years Apple had grown from just the two of us in a garage into a $2 billion company with over 4000 employees. We had just released our finest creation - the Macintosh - a year earlier, and I had just turned 30. And then I got fired. How can you get fired from a company you started? Well, as Apple grew we hired someone who I thought was very talented to run the company with me, and for the first year or so things went well. But then our visions of the future began to diverge and eventually we had a falling out. When we did, our Board of Directors sided with him. So at 30 I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating.
I really didn’t know what to do for a few months. I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down - that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. I met with David Packard and Bob Noyce and tried to apologize for screwing up so badly. I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. But something slowly began to dawn on me – I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over.
I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.
During the next five years, I started a company named NeXT, another company named Pixar, and fell in love with an amazing woman who would become my wife. Pixar went on to create the worlds first computer animated feature film, Toy Story, and is now the most successful animation studio in the world. In a remarkable turn of events, Apple bought NeXT, I retuned to Apple, and the technology we developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple’s current renaissance. And Laurene and I have a wonderful family together.
I’m pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn’t been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.
My third story is about death.
When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.
About a year ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a scan at 7:30 in the morning, and it clearly showed a tumor on my pancreas. I didn’t even know what a pancreas was. The doctors told me this was almost certainly a type of cancer that is incurable, and that I should expect to live no longer than three to six months. My doctor advised me to go home and get my affairs in order, which is doctor’s code for prepare to die. It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you’d have the next 10 years to tell them in just a few months. It means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.
I lived with that diagnosis all day. Later that evening I had a biopsy, where they stuck an endoscope down my throat, through my stomach and into my intestines, put a needle into my pancreas and got a few cells from the tumor. I was sedated, but my wife, who was there, told me that when they viewed the cells under a microscope the doctors started crying because it turned out to be a very rare form of pancreatic cancer that is curable with surgery. I had the surgery and I’m fine now.
This was the closest I’ve been to facing death, and I hope its the closest I get for a few more decades. Having lived through it, I can now say this to you with a bit more certainty than when death was a useful but purely intellectual concept:
No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the bibles of my generation. It was created by a fellow named Stewart Brand not far from here in Menlo Park, and he brought it to life with his poetic touch. This was in the late 1960’s, before personal computers and desktop publishing, so it was all made with typewriters, scissors, and polaroid cameras. It was sort of like Google in paperback form, 35 years before Google came along: it was idealistic, and overflowing with neat tools and great notions.
Stewart and his team put out several issues of The Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you.
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
Thank you all very much.
==========================================
Steve Jobs說，你得找出你愛的 (You’ve got to find what you love.)。
以下是蘋果電腦公司與Pixar動畫製作室執行長Steve Jobs在2005年六月12日對全體史丹佛大學畢業生的演講內容。
今天，有榮幸來到各位從世界上最好的學校之一畢業的畢業典禮上。我從來沒從大學畢業。說實話，這是我離大學畢業最近的一刻。今天，我只說三個故事，不談大道理，三個故事就好。
第一個故事，是關於人生中的點點滴滴怎麼串連在一起。
我在里德學院（Reed college）待了六個月就辦休學了。到我退學前，一共休學了十八個月。那麼，我為什麼休學？
這得從我出生前講起。我的親生母親當時是個研究生，年輕未婚媽媽，她決定讓別人收養我。她強烈覺得應該讓有大學畢業的人收養我，所以我出生時，她就準備讓我被一對律師夫婦收養。但是這對夫妻到了最後一刻反悔了，他們想收養女孩。所以在等待收養名單上的一對夫妻，我的養父母，在一天半夜裡接到一通電話，問他們「有一名意外出生的男孩，你們要認養他嗎？」而他們的回答是「當然要」。後來，我的生母發現，我現在的媽媽從來沒有大學畢業，我現在的爸爸則連高中畢業也沒有。她拒絕在認養文件上做最後簽字。直到幾個月後，我的養父母同意將來一定會讓我上大學，她才軟化態度。
十七年後，我上大學了。但是當時我無知選了一所學費幾乎跟史丹佛一樣貴的大學，我那工人階級的父母所有積蓄都花在我的學費上。六個月後，我看不出唸這個書的價值何在。那時候，我不知道這輩子要幹什麼，也不知道唸大學能對我有什麼幫助，而且我為了唸這個書，花光了我父母這輩子的所有積蓄，所以我決定休學，相信船到橋頭自然直。當時這個決定看來相當可怕，可是現在看來，那是我這輩子做過最好的決定之一。當我休學之後，我再也不用上我沒興趣的必修課，把時間拿去聽那些我有興趣的課。
這一點也不浪漫。我沒有宿舍，所以我睡在友人家裡的地板上，靠著回收可樂空罐的五先令退費買吃的，每個星期天晚上得走七哩的路繞過大半個鎮去印度教的Hare Krishna神廟吃頓好料。我喜歡Hare Krishna神廟的好料。追尋我的好奇與直覺，我所駐足的大部分事物，後來看來都成了無價之寶。舉例來說：
當時里德學院有著大概是全國最好的書法指導。在整個校園內的每一張海報上，每個抽屜的標籤上，都是美麗的手寫字。因為我休學了，可以不照正常選課程序來，所以我跑去學書法。我學了serif與san serif字體，學到在不同字母組合間變更字間距，學到活版印刷偉大的地方。書法的美好、歷史感與藝術感是科學所無法捕捉的，我覺得那很迷人。
我沒預期過學的這些東西能在我生活中起些什麼實際作用，不過十年後，當我在設計第一台麥金塔時，我想起了當時所學的東西，所以把這些東西都設計進了麥金塔裡，這是第一台能印刷出漂亮東西的電腦。如果我沒沉溺於那樣一門課裡，麥金塔可能就不會有多重字體跟變間距字體了。又因為Windows抄襲了麥金塔的使用方式，如果當年我沒這樣做，大概世界上所有的個人電腦都不會有這些東西，印不出現在我們看到的漂亮的字來了。當然，當我還在大學裡時，不可能把這些點點滴滴預先串在一起，但是這在十年後回顧，就顯得非常清楚。
我再說一次，你不能預先把點點滴滴串在一起；唯有未來回顧時，你才會明白那些點點滴滴是如何串在一起的。所以你得相信，你現在所體會的東西，將來多少會連接在一塊。你得信任某個東西，直覺也好，命運也好，生命也好，或者業力。這種作法從來沒讓我失望，也讓我的人生整個不同起來。
我的第二個故事，有關愛與失去。
我好運－年輕時就發現自己愛做什麼事。我二十歲時，跟Steve Wozniak在我爸媽的車庫裡開始了蘋果電腦的事業。我們拼命工作，蘋果電腦在十年間從一間車庫裡的兩個小夥子擴展成了一家員工超過四千人、市價二十億美金的公司，在那之前一年推出了我們最棒的作品－麥金塔，而我才剛邁入人生的第三十個年頭，然後被炒魷魚。要怎麼讓自己創辦的公司炒自己魷魚？好吧，當蘋果電腦成長後，我請了一個我以為他在經營公司上很有才幹的傢伙來，他在頭幾年也確實幹得不錯。可是我們對未來的願景不同，最後只好分道揚鑣，董事會站在他那邊，炒了我魷魚，公開把我請了出去。曾經是我整個成年生活重心的東西不見了，令我不知所措。
有幾個月，我實在不知道要幹什麼好。我覺得我令企業界的前輩們失望－我把他們交給我的接力棒弄丟了。我見了創辦HP的David Packard跟創辦Intel的Bob Noyce，跟他們說我很抱歉把事情搞砸得很厲害了。我成了公眾的非常負面示範，我甚至想要離開矽谷。但是漸漸的，我發現，我還是喜愛著我做過的事情，在蘋果的日子經歷的事件沒有絲毫改變我愛做的事。我被否定了，可是我還是愛做那些事情，所以我決定從頭來過。
當時我沒發現，但是現在看來，被蘋果電腦開除，是我所經歷過最好的事情。成功的沉重被從頭來過的輕鬆所取代，每件事情都不那麼確定，讓我自由進入這輩子最有創意的年代。
接下來五年，我開了一家叫做 NeXT的公司，又開一家叫做Pixar的公司，也跟後來的老婆談起了戀愛。Pixar接著製作了世界上第一部全電腦動畫電影，玩具總動員，現在是世界上最成功的動畫製作公司。然後，蘋果電腦買下了NeXT，我回到了蘋果，我們在NeXT發展的技術成了蘋果電腦後來復興的核心。我也有了個美妙的家庭。
我很確定，如果當年蘋果電腦沒開除我，就不會發生這些事情。這帖藥很苦口，可是我想蘋果電腦這個病人需要這帖藥。有時候，人生會用磚頭打你的頭。不要喪失信心。我確信，我愛我所做的事情，這就是這些年來讓我繼續走下去的唯一理由。你得找出你愛的，工作上是如此，對情人也是如此。你的工作將填滿你的一大塊人生，唯一獲得真正滿足的方法就是做你相信是偉大的工作，而唯一做偉大工作的方法是愛你所做的事。如果你還沒找到這些事，繼續找，別停頓。盡你全心全力，你知道你一定會找到。而且，如同任何偉大的關係，事情只會隨著時間愈來愈好。所以，在你找到之前，繼續找，別停頓。
我的第三個故事，關於死亡。
當我十七歲時，我讀到一則格言，好像是「把每一天都當成生命中的最後一天，你就會輕鬆自在。」這對我影響深遠，在過去33年裡，我每天早上都會照鏡子，自問：「如果今天是此生最後一日，我今天要幹些什麼？」每當我連續太多天都得到一個「沒事做」的答案時，我就知道我必須有所變革了。
提醒自己快死了，是我在人生中下重大決定時，所用過最重要的工具。因為幾乎每件事－所有外界期望、所有名譽、所有對困窘或失敗的恐懼－在面對死亡時，都消失了，只有最重要的東西才會留下。提醒自己快死了，是我所知避免掉入自己有東西要失去了的陷阱裡最好的方法。人生不帶來，死不帶去，沒什麼道理不順心而為。
一年前，我被診斷出癌症。我在早上七點半作斷層掃描，在胰臟清楚出現一個腫瘤，我連胰臟是什麼都不知道。醫生告訴我，那幾乎可以確定是一種不治之症，我大概活不到三到六個月了。醫生建議我回家，好好跟親人們聚一聚，這是醫生對臨終病人的標準建議。那代表你得試著在幾個月內把你將來十年想跟小孩講的話講完。那代表你得把每件事情搞定，家人才會盡量輕鬆。那代表你得跟人說再見了。
我整天想著那個診斷結果，那天晚上做了一次切片，從喉嚨伸入一個內視鏡，從胃進腸子，插了根針進胰臟，取了一些腫瘤細胞出來。我打了鎮靜劑，不醒人事，但是我老婆在場。她後來跟我說，當醫生們用顯微鏡看過那些細胞後，他們都哭了，因為那是非常少見的一種胰臟癌，可以用手術治好。所以我接受了手術，康復了。
這是我最接近死亡的時候，我希望那會繼續是未來幾十年內最接近的一次。經歷此事後，我可以比之前死亡只是抽象概念時要更肯定告訴你們下面這些：
沒有人想死。即使那些想上天堂的人，也想活著上天堂。但是死亡是我們共有的目的地，沒有人逃得過。這是註定的，因為死亡簡直就是生命中最棒的發明，是生命變化的媒介，送走老人們，給新生代留下空間。現在你們是新生代，但是不久的將來，你們也會逐漸變老，被送出人生的舞台。抱歉講得這麼戲劇化，但是這是真的。
你們的時間有限，所以不要浪費時間活在別人的生活裡。不要被信條所惑－盲從信條就是活在別人思考結果裡。不要讓別人的意見淹沒了你內在的心聲。最重要的，擁有跟隨內心與直覺的勇氣，你的內心與直覺多少已經知道你真正想要成為什麼樣的人。任何其他事物都是次要的。
在我年輕時，有本神奇的雜誌叫做 Whole Earth Catalog，當年我們很迷這本雜誌。那是一位住在離這不遠的Menlo Park的Stewart Brand發行的，他把雜誌辦得很有詩意。那是1960年代末期，個人電腦跟桌上出版還沒發明，所有內容都是打字機、剪刀跟拍立得相機做出來的。雜誌內容有點像印在紙上的Google，在Google出現之前35年就有了：理想化，充滿新奇工具與神奇的註記。
Stewart跟他的出版團隊出了好幾期Whole Earth Catalog，然後出了停刊號。當時是1970年代中期，我正是你們現在這個年齡的時候。在停刊號的封底，有張早晨鄉間小路的照片，那種你去爬山時會經過的鄉間小路。在照片下有行小字：
求知若飢，虛心若愚。
那是他們親筆寫下的告別訊息，我總是以此自許。當你們畢業，展開新生活，我也以此期許你們。
求知若飢，虛心若愚。
非常謝謝大家。
20100419 A Life of Dance (1)
A Life of Dance
Dreams do come true
Chang Feng-Hsiang (張鳳翔) lay awake. She was facing one of the hardest decisions she would ever have to make. She had come to Spain to study flamenco and follow her dream of becoming a world-class dancer. And now she had been offered a place in a professional dance company. Though staying in Spain was a temptation, it meant a long separation from her husband and children in Taiwan. Chang didn't know what to do.
A life of dance
Music and dance had always been important parts of Chang's life. Under the influence of her grandfather, a composer and folk artist, the entire family became involved in music, drama and dance. Her family supported itself by working as a performance troupe. At age 4, Little Rabbit -- as Chang was called -- began performing solo dances during her family's shows. By age 7, she was performing professionally. In the 1950s, Taiwan was poor, so Chang's family moved around, performing on any stage they could find. With each performance, Little Rabbit's celebrity grew. By 15 she was appearing weekly on television.
professional adj. 職業的/專業的
eg: Frank is a professional golfer who competed in many important tournaments.
=> Frank是一位職業高爾夫球運動員常常出賽許多重要的賽事
amateur adj. 業餘的
eg: Ricky is coaching an amateur baseball team.
=> =Ricky 在一支非職業棒球隊當教練。
tempt v. 引誘/吸引
temptation n. 誘惑/很吸引人的事物
eg: The salary of the overseas job I was offered is really high. It's hard to resist such temptation.
=> 這個海外工作所給的條件薪資真的很高。很難拒絕這樣的誘惑。
eg: Chocolate is a real temptation for me.
=> 巧克力對我來說的真的是極大的誘惑。
solo adj. 單獨的/單獨表演的
eg: She released her solo album last year, and it was a great success.
=> 她去年發布了她的單飛的唱片，並且大獲成功。
eg: The solo performance by the cellist won a nice round of applause.
=> 這個提琴家的獨奏贏得了熱烈的掌聲。
flamenco n. 弗拉曼柯舞(西班牙的吉普賽舞蹈)
composer n. 作曲者/作曲家/作者/作家
troupe n. (演員等的)一團/一班
=> a group that travel around
celebrity n. 名聲/著名
=> fame
//== Chat room ==//
learn the steps 學會跳舞的舞步
step 步伐/步調
one step at a time 一步一步的進行
step by step 一步一步的/循序漸進的
out of step 不和諧/不一致
=> 步伐不整/亂了步伐延伸出來的意思為不和諧/不一致
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
With each performance, Little Rabbit's celebrity grew.
with something, subject + verb
=> how something is progressing
eg: With each workout(訓練/練習) seeion at the health club, John's physical condition improved.
eg: With each speech lesson, Maria became more confident.
Dreams do come true
Chang Feng-Hsiang (張鳳翔) lay awake. She was facing one of the hardest decisions she would ever have to make. She had come to Spain to study flamenco and follow her dream of becoming a world-class dancer. And now she had been offered a place in a professional dance company. Though staying in Spain was a temptation, it meant a long separation from her husband and children in Taiwan. Chang didn't know what to do.
A life of dance
Music and dance had always been important parts of Chang's life. Under the influence of her grandfather, a composer and folk artist, the entire family became involved in music, drama and dance. Her family supported itself by working as a performance troupe. At age 4, Little Rabbit -- as Chang was called -- began performing solo dances during her family's shows. By age 7, she was performing professionally. In the 1950s, Taiwan was poor, so Chang's family moved around, performing on any stage they could find. With each performance, Little Rabbit's celebrity grew. By 15 she was appearing weekly on television.
professional adj. 職業的/專業的
eg: Frank is a professional golfer who competed in many important tournaments.
=> Frank是一位職業高爾夫球運動員常常出賽許多重要的賽事
amateur adj. 業餘的
eg: Ricky is coaching an amateur baseball team.
=> =Ricky 在一支非職業棒球隊當教練。
tempt v. 引誘/吸引
temptation n. 誘惑/很吸引人的事物
eg: The salary of the overseas job I was offered is really high. It's hard to resist such temptation.
=> 這個海外工作所給的條件薪資真的很高。很難拒絕這樣的誘惑。
eg: Chocolate is a real temptation for me.
=> 巧克力對我來說的真的是極大的誘惑。
solo adj. 單獨的/單獨表演的
eg: She released her solo album last year, and it was a great success.
=> 她去年發布了她的單飛的唱片，並且大獲成功。
eg: The solo performance by the cellist won a nice round of applause.
=> 這個提琴家的獨奏贏得了熱烈的掌聲。
flamenco n. 弗拉曼柯舞(西班牙的吉普賽舞蹈)
composer n. 作曲者/作曲家/作者/作家
troupe n. (演員等的)一團/一班
=> a group that travel around
celebrity n. 名聲/著名
=> fame
//== Chat room ==//
learn the steps 學會跳舞的舞步
step 步伐/步調
one step at a time 一步一步的進行
step by step 一步一步的/循序漸進的
out of step 不和諧/不一致
=> 步伐不整/亂了步伐延伸出來的意思為不和諧/不一致
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
With each performance, Little Rabbit's celebrity grew.
with something, subject + verb
=> how something is progressing
eg: With each workout(訓練/練習) seeion at the health club, John's physical condition improved.
eg: With each speech lesson, Maria became more confident.
2010年4月17日 星期六
20100417 Birds of Feather Find Sanctuary at World Parrot Refuge (3)
Birds of Feather Find Sanctuary at World Parrot Refuge
A new macaw section will be finished soon and will increase the length of the cages to 100 feet to give the flocks even more fly space. Visitors are discouraged from touching the birds in cages, but Huntbatch and her staff often bring individual birds out to be cuddled and cooed over. The trustworthy may get a lip-to-beak kiss from Huntbatch. It costs about $500 a year to treat and house a healthy parrot. Huntbatch has watched the refuge grow to a $300,000-a-year enterprise. Most of the money comes from donations and admission fees.
But in the past year, the provincial lotteries commission has added the refuge to the list of non-profit agencies it is required by law to help support; about $75,000 has come to the refuge from lottery players. Canadian casinos have donated $11,000 toward an enlarged veterinary hospital to be built on site. These birds' days as pets are over. They can't be adopted although visitors can sign up to donate funds to "virtually" adopt one. "They're ours now," says Huntbatch. "We'll care for them and love them until they're old and gray, just like old people."
cuddle v. 親熱地擁抱
eg: The mom cuddled her crying baby in her arms.
=> 媽媽擁抱了她她的胳膊的哭泣的嬰孩。
eg: The mother bear cuddled her cubs.
=> 母熊擁抱她的小熊們˙。
cuddle v. 依偎
eg: The couple cuddled in the loveseat.
=> 這對情侶依偎在雙人座的小沙發裡
non-profit adj. 非營利的
eg: The Red Cross is a world-renown non-profit organization.
紅十字是全世界都知道的非盈利性組織
eg: Non-profit organizations often receive tax benefits.
=> 非營利組織通常都會享有稅制上的優惠
for-profit adj. 營利的
eg: a for-profit school 一所以營利為導向的學校
virtual adj. 實際上的
virtually adv. 實際上/事實上/差不多
eg: Virtually all the employees of the factory agreed to come back to work after a week-long strike.
=> 上經過一個星期的罷工，工廠的所有員工都同意復工
A new macaw section will be finished soon and will increase the length of the cages to 100 feet to give the flocks even more fly space. Visitors are discouraged from touching the birds in cages, but Huntbatch and her staff often bring individual birds out to be cuddled and cooed over. The trustworthy may get a lip-to-beak kiss from Huntbatch. It costs about $500 a year to treat and house a healthy parrot. Huntbatch has watched the refuge grow to a $300,000-a-year enterprise. Most of the money comes from donations and admission fees.
But in the past year, the provincial lotteries commission has added the refuge to the list of non-profit agencies it is required by law to help support; about $75,000 has come to the refuge from lottery players. Canadian casinos have donated $11,000 toward an enlarged veterinary hospital to be built on site. These birds' days as pets are over. They can't be adopted although visitors can sign up to donate funds to "virtually" adopt one. "They're ours now," says Huntbatch. "We'll care for them and love them until they're old and gray, just like old people."
cuddle v. 親熱地擁抱
eg: The mom cuddled her crying baby in her arms.
=> 媽媽擁抱了她她的胳膊的哭泣的嬰孩。
eg: The mother bear cuddled her cubs.
=> 母熊擁抱她的小熊們˙。
cuddle v. 依偎
eg: The couple cuddled in the loveseat.
=> 這對情侶依偎在雙人座的小沙發裡
non-profit adj. 非營利的
eg: The Red Cross is a world-renown non-profit organization.
紅十字是全世界都知道的非盈利性組織
eg: Non-profit organizations often receive tax benefits.
=> 非營利組織通常都會享有稅制上的優惠
for-profit adj. 營利的
eg: a for-profit school 一所以營利為導向的學校
virtual adj. 實際上的
virtually adv. 實際上/事實上/差不多
eg: Virtually all the employees of the factory agreed to come back to work after a week-long strike.
=> 上經過一個星期的罷工，工廠的所有員工都同意復工
20100416 Birds of Feather Find Sanctuary at World Parrot Refuge (2)
Birds of Feather Find Sanctuary at World Parrot Refuge
And Bob, a blue-front Amazon, came to Huntbatch knowing how to say, "Hello, my name is Bob," bite really hard and then break into a rousing version of "Zip-a Dee-Doo-Dah" by way of apology. "That's Bob," says Huntbatch. "He knows what he's doing." All the birds were either captured in the wild to be sold as pets or are first-generation offspring of once-wild birds. In the jungles where they're born, they form stable flocks and are highly social. That means those that are passed around from home to home as temporary pets take a long time to recover psychologically, Huntbatch says.
Many have plucked their feathered bodies bare in fits of self-mutilation. They may wear socks knit into special sweaters and head cones to keep them from continuing to peck away at new feathers. But they are too battered mentally and physically to join a flock at the refuge and are treated in a hospital wing for as long as it takes them to grow new feathers and healthy psyches. The birds that are healthy enough live in flocks in 25-by-50-foot cages in three concrete-lined rooms where they roost in the limbs of "trees" constructed by staff.
rousing adj. 令人振奮的/充滿活力的
eg: The president gave a rousing and passionate speech at the meeting.
=> 總裁在會議上發表了一個充滿熱情振奮人心的演講。
eg: The rousing cheers from the audience really boosted the team's morale.
=> 觀眾令人振奮的加油聲真地鼓舞了球隊的士氣。
mutilation n. 損傷/殘缺/外型損毀
eg: Many suffered injuries, including mutilation, after the intensive bombing.
=> 許多人因為密集的轟炸以後受了傷害，甚至包括肢體殘缺。
self-mutilation 自殘
=> do something that harm their bodies
eg: The hospital had to restrain the patient because of her self-mutilation tendencies.
=> 因為這名病患有自殘的傾向，醫院不得不把他束縛起來。
psyche n. 心理/精神
=> psyche has to do with your mind
eg: The book discusses the male psyche with much data and evidence.
=> 這本書以許多數據和證據來談論男性心靈。
eg: It's important to study the public's psyche if you want to win the election.
=> 如果要贏得選舉您需要研究大眾心理。
pluck v. 拔...的毛
=> pull it out
offspring n. 子女/子孫/後代
=> children
mutilation n. 切斷/毀損/致殘
battered adj. 打扁了的/憔悴的
=> being hit
head cones n. 避免動物去咬傷口的頭套
roost n. 鳥巢
knit v. 編織
//== Chat room ==//
peck v. 啄
=> strike/bite
beck n. 鳥喙
pecking order (啄序)任何團體的長幼尊卑次序
=>在鳥類中輩分高可以啄輩分低的人
eg: He is at the bottom of the pecking order.
eg: He is at the bottom of a company's pecking order.
=> 他是公司裡最低層的員工.
And Bob, a blue-front Amazon, came to Huntbatch knowing how to say, "Hello, my name is Bob," bite really hard and then break into a rousing version of "Zip-a Dee-Doo-Dah" by way of apology. "That's Bob," says Huntbatch. "He knows what he's doing." All the birds were either captured in the wild to be sold as pets or are first-generation offspring of once-wild birds. In the jungles where they're born, they form stable flocks and are highly social. That means those that are passed around from home to home as temporary pets take a long time to recover psychologically, Huntbatch says.
Many have plucked their feathered bodies bare in fits of self-mutilation. They may wear socks knit into special sweaters and head cones to keep them from continuing to peck away at new feathers. But they are too battered mentally and physically to join a flock at the refuge and are treated in a hospital wing for as long as it takes them to grow new feathers and healthy psyches. The birds that are healthy enough live in flocks in 25-by-50-foot cages in three concrete-lined rooms where they roost in the limbs of "trees" constructed by staff.
rousing adj. 令人振奮的/充滿活力的
eg: The president gave a rousing and passionate speech at the meeting.
=> 總裁在會議上發表了一個充滿熱情振奮人心的演講。
eg: The rousing cheers from the audience really boosted the team's morale.
=> 觀眾令人振奮的加油聲真地鼓舞了球隊的士氣。
mutilation n. 損傷/殘缺/外型損毀
eg: Many suffered injuries, including mutilation, after the intensive bombing.
=> 許多人因為密集的轟炸以後受了傷害，甚至包括肢體殘缺。
self-mutilation 自殘
=> do something that harm their bodies
eg: The hospital had to restrain the patient because of her self-mutilation tendencies.
=> 因為這名病患有自殘的傾向，醫院不得不把他束縛起來。
psyche n. 心理/精神
=> psyche has to do with your mind
eg: The book discusses the male psyche with much data and evidence.
=> 這本書以許多數據和證據來談論男性心靈。
eg: It's important to study the public's psyche if you want to win the election.
=> 如果要贏得選舉您需要研究大眾心理。
pluck v. 拔...的毛
=> pull it out
offspring n. 子女/子孫/後代
=> children
mutilation n. 切斷/毀損/致殘
battered adj. 打扁了的/憔悴的
=> being hit
head cones n. 避免動物去咬傷口的頭套
roost n. 鳥巢
knit v. 編織
//== Chat room ==//
peck v. 啄
=> strike/bite
beck n. 鳥喙
pecking order (啄序)任何團體的長幼尊卑次序
=>在鳥類中輩分高可以啄輩分低的人
eg: He is at the bottom of the pecking order.
eg: He is at the bottom of a company's pecking order.
=> 他是公司裡最低層的員工.
2010年4月15日 星期四
Tibetan earthquake
From ICRT EZnews
Tibetan earthquake
The death toll from a strong earthquake in China's remote and mountainous Tibetan plateau has climbed to 617, even as convoys of trucks carried in supplies and tents for survivors braving the cold.
As darkness fell, freezing temperatures left little hope for anyone still trapped under the rubble of homes, schools and monasteries in the ruined seat of Yushu county, which bore the brunt of the quake.
The sports stadium there is now a makeshift hospital, but inadequate for the number of injured people.
Nearly 10,000 people were injured in the quake, almost 1,000 of them severely.
Tibetan Buddhist monks have turned out in force to help rescue efforts, although the town's main Buddhist monastery lay in ruins on a nearby hillside.
plateau n. 高原
brave v. 勇敢地面對
eg: They braved the storm to rescue the earthquake survivor.
=> 他們冒著暴風雨搶救地震的生還者。
makeshift n. 臨時代用品
eg: Use an box as a makeshift for the house of the puppy.
=> 用這個箱子當作這個小狗的窩
inadequate adj. 不適合的/不足以滿足需要的
eg: Inadequate preparation caused the restaurant's opening to be a total disaster.
rubble n. 粗石/碎石/瓦礫堆
monastery n. 修道院
bore v. 鑽/挖/鑿
brunt n. 衝擊/撞擊
turn out in
hillside n. 山腰/山坡
Tibetan earthquake
The death toll from a strong earthquake in China's remote and mountainous Tibetan plateau has climbed to 617, even as convoys of trucks carried in supplies and tents for survivors braving the cold.
As darkness fell, freezing temperatures left little hope for anyone still trapped under the rubble of homes, schools and monasteries in the ruined seat of Yushu county, which bore the brunt of the quake.
The sports stadium there is now a makeshift hospital, but inadequate for the number of injured people.
Nearly 10,000 people were injured in the quake, almost 1,000 of them severely.
Tibetan Buddhist monks have turned out in force to help rescue efforts, although the town's main Buddhist monastery lay in ruins on a nearby hillside.
plateau n. 高原
brave v. 勇敢地面對
eg: They braved the storm to rescue the earthquake survivor.
=> 他們冒著暴風雨搶救地震的生還者。
makeshift n. 臨時代用品
eg: Use an box as a makeshift for the house of the puppy.
=> 用這個箱子當作這個小狗的窩
inadequate adj. 不適合的/不足以滿足需要的
eg: Inadequate preparation caused the restaurant's opening to be a total disaster.
rubble n. 粗石/碎石/瓦礫堆
monastery n. 修道院
bore v. 鑽/挖/鑿
brunt n. 衝擊/撞擊
turn out in
hillside n. 山腰/山坡
20100415 Birds of Feather Find Sanctuary at World Parrot Refuge (1)
Birds of Feather Find Sanctuary at World Parrot Refuge
A place where every bird has its own story to tell
You never heard such a ruckus. Screeching, squawking and the whap and whir of a thousand rainbow-hued wings fill the air. Welcome to World Parrot Refuge. About 700 once-abused, neglected or abandoned birds live out what's left of their long lives in the 23,000-square-foot aviary that's a sanctuary, vet hospital and raucous bird zoo all in one near Coombs, B.C. "These are my babies now," says Wendy Huntbatch, who started the refuge in 2005 on a country road about 25 miles north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
"People get them as pets and then they realize they will live 60 years or more, and they get overwhelmed, or they get tired of caring for them." Huntbatch has named each of her charges and recounts most of their stories by heart. There's Ginny, a Catalina macaw, once kept in a dog crate in a crack house, where, Huntbatch says, "There were probably days when she wasn't given a kind word, much less food." And Goldie, an umbrella cockatoo, loved until her owner became allergic to its dander.
ruckus n. 喧鬧/騷動(大多用單數型)
=> a loud noise for a long period of time
eg: The arrival of the superstar caused a ruckus at the airport.
=> 這位超級巨星的抵達造成機場一陣騷動。
ruckus n. 爭議/爭論/吵架
eg: The editor's comment raised a heated ruckus between readers.
這位編輯的評論引起讀者間激列的爭議
abuse v. 虐待/傷害
=> be treated poorly or wrongly
eg: The poor boy was physically abused by his father.
=> 這個可憐的小男孩被父親暴力的對待。
eg: She was verbally abused by her husband for many years.
=> 她的丈夫多年以來用言語傷害她。
abuse v. 濫用
eg: He abused his authority as the CEO and got fired.
=> 他濫用他CEO的職權後來被革職了。
overwhelm v. 使受不了/使不知所措
eg: The kids were initially overwhelmed when we moved from the city to the suburbs.
=> 當我們從城市搬到郊區時，孩子们當初都不知所措。
eg: Patrick was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a boss.
=> 當老板的諸多責任讓Patrick幾乎承受不了。
sanctuary n. 庇護所/避難所
aviary n. 鳥舍/禽舍/鳥類飼養場
=> a large cage kind of where they keep birds
recount v. 敘述/講述
dog crate 狗籠
allergic adj. 過敏的/對...極討厭的
dander n. 生氣/怒氣
//== Chat room ==//
關於bird的諺語
Kill two birds with one stone. 一石二鳥
The early bird catches the worm. 早起的鳥兒有蟲吃
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
=> 一鳥在手勝過雙鳥在林（滿足於現有的總比因過分追求而失去一切好）
Birds of a feather flock together. 物以類聚
early bird 先到的人/比別人早到的人
early bird special 預購優惠
=> 在美國常會看到early bird special這種預購專案，
=> 有些東西如果預購的話會有折扣
=> 有些活動提早報名也會有early bird的優惠
wing 鳥的翅膀
to wing it 在有限的時間和條件下臨時應付完成一件工作
=> 若是在某個公共場合，突然有人要你上台致詞
=> 你沒有預備講稿，你就只好wing it
for the bird
=> If you don't like something, you can say "it's for the birds!"
//== More Information ==//
The World Parrot refuge is located at 2116 Albemi Highway, about 25 miles north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
It's open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students 13-17,
$8 for students 6-12 and free for kids under 6. A pass for families of four or more is $30.
A place where every bird has its own story to tell
You never heard such a ruckus. Screeching, squawking and the whap and whir of a thousand rainbow-hued wings fill the air. Welcome to World Parrot Refuge. About 700 once-abused, neglected or abandoned birds live out what's left of their long lives in the 23,000-square-foot aviary that's a sanctuary, vet hospital and raucous bird zoo all in one near Coombs, B.C. "These are my babies now," says Wendy Huntbatch, who started the refuge in 2005 on a country road about 25 miles north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
"People get them as pets and then they realize they will live 60 years or more, and they get overwhelmed, or they get tired of caring for them." Huntbatch has named each of her charges and recounts most of their stories by heart. There's Ginny, a Catalina macaw, once kept in a dog crate in a crack house, where, Huntbatch says, "There were probably days when she wasn't given a kind word, much less food." And Goldie, an umbrella cockatoo, loved until her owner became allergic to its dander.
ruckus n. 喧鬧/騷動(大多用單數型)
=> a loud noise for a long period of time
eg: The arrival of the superstar caused a ruckus at the airport.
=> 這位超級巨星的抵達造成機場一陣騷動。
ruckus n. 爭議/爭論/吵架
eg: The editor's comment raised a heated ruckus between readers.
這位編輯的評論引起讀者間激列的爭議
abuse v. 虐待/傷害
=> be treated poorly or wrongly
eg: The poor boy was physically abused by his father.
=> 這個可憐的小男孩被父親暴力的對待。
eg: She was verbally abused by her husband for many years.
=> 她的丈夫多年以來用言語傷害她。
abuse v. 濫用
eg: He abused his authority as the CEO and got fired.
=> 他濫用他CEO的職權後來被革職了。
overwhelm v. 使受不了/使不知所措
eg: The kids were initially overwhelmed when we moved from the city to the suburbs.
=> 當我們從城市搬到郊區時，孩子们當初都不知所措。
eg: Patrick was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a boss.
=> 當老板的諸多責任讓Patrick幾乎承受不了。
sanctuary n. 庇護所/避難所
aviary n. 鳥舍/禽舍/鳥類飼養場
=> a large cage kind of where they keep birds
recount v. 敘述/講述
dog crate 狗籠
allergic adj. 過敏的/對...極討厭的
dander n. 生氣/怒氣
//== Chat room ==//
關於bird的諺語
Kill two birds with one stone. 一石二鳥
The early bird catches the worm. 早起的鳥兒有蟲吃
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
=> 一鳥在手勝過雙鳥在林（滿足於現有的總比因過分追求而失去一切好）
Birds of a feather flock together. 物以類聚
early bird 先到的人/比別人早到的人
early bird special 預購優惠
=> 在美國常會看到early bird special這種預購專案，
=> 有些東西如果預購的話會有折扣
=> 有些活動提早報名也會有early bird的優惠
wing 鳥的翅膀
to wing it 在有限的時間和條件下臨時應付完成一件工作
=> 若是在某個公共場合，突然有人要你上台致詞
=> 你沒有預備講稿，你就只好wing it
for the bird
=> If you don't like something, you can say "it's for the birds!"
//== More Information ==//
The World Parrot refuge is located at 2116 Albemi Highway, about 25 miles north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
It's open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students 13-17,
$8 for students 6-12 and free for kids under 6. A pass for families of four or more is $30.
2010年4月14日 星期三
20100414 Liquid Glasses (1)
Liquid Glasses
A new kind of glasses may solve a major world problem
What would you do if you had trouble reading this page? You would probably go to an eye doctor who might give you glasses. For many people around the world, though, such a solution isn't that simple. The World Health Organization reports that around 1 billion people in the world could benefit from glasses. Yet places like Ghana have only one optometrist per 8 million people. This makes glasses almost impossible to get. Joshua Silver, a professor at Oxford University, however, may have solved the problem.
Silver has developed liquid-filled glasses that wearers adjust themselves without seeing a doctor! The lenses are filled with oil. Using a dial on the glasses, the wearer adjusts the amount of oil. This changes the strength of the lens. After the wearer finds the right strength, he seals the lens with a valve. Results show that among those who have tried the glasses, around 80 percent successfully corrected their vision. Silver's goal is for everyone who still needs glasses to have them by 2020. With his self-adjusting glasses, Silver may find that his goal just might be in sight.
lens n. 鏡片
複數：lenses
eg: One lens broke when my eyeglasses fell on the ground.
=> 我的眼鏡掉在地上，一邊眼鏡破掉了。
eg: contact lenses 隱形眼鏡
lens n. 鏡頭
=> the part of glasses you look through, usually made of glasses
eg: The lens of this camera is very delicate.
=> 這相機的鏡頭很容易受損。
strength n. 眼鏡的度數
eg: As I grew older, the strength of my eye glasses needed to be readjusted.
=> 我的年齡漸長，眼睛度數需要被重調。
strength 各種特質的強度/長處
eg: I only need coffee of normal strength. Espresso is way too strong for me.
=> 我只需要一般濃度的咖啡。 Espresso對我來說是太濃了。
vision n. 眼睛的視力
eg: He has very limited vision in his right eye.
=> 他右眼視力非常有限。
eg: Doing eye exercises can improve one's vision.
=> 做眼睛體操可以改善視力。
eg: 20/20 vision 標準視力
=> 意思是指在離開視力圖二十呎的地方可以一般人二十英呎應該看得到的字
WHO [World Health Organization] (聯合國)世界衛生組織
billion n. 十億
optometrist n. 1.驗光師
=> an eye doctor who examines your eyes and give you glasses or contact glasses
valve n. 閥/活門
=> a device that open and close to allow gas or liquid in and out
vision n. 視力/視覺
=> the ability to see
//== Chat room ==//
以下名詞都以複數形存在scissors, pants, glasses，其中他們的動詞都要是用複數
eg: Where are my glasses? Here they are.
如果用a pair of + 複數形名詞時，動詞則用單數，因為pair是單數
eg: These pants are expensive.
eg: This pair of pants is expensive.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Results show that among those who have tried the glasses, around 80 percent successfully corrected their vision.
=> Results show that around 80 percent of those who have tried the glasses successfully corrected their vision.
...among those who have tried the glasses.
=> 將這個句子的重點放在前面，讓讀者有強烈的印象，用在一些研究報告句子
eg: A study reports that among American children under age 17, 82 percent of them are gamers.
eg: A recent report shows that among 13 year old girls, 53 percent say they are unhappy with their bodies.
//== More Information ==//
Kevin White began Global Vision 2020 as a way to distribute Silvers glasses to needy people around the world. He trains volunteers from local organizations in developing countries. The volunteers are given two simple tasks: distribute glasses to those in need and train OTHER local volunteers to do the same. In this way, White says the Global Vision vision will continue to grow!
A new kind of glasses may solve a major world problem
What would you do if you had trouble reading this page? You would probably go to an eye doctor who might give you glasses. For many people around the world, though, such a solution isn't that simple. The World Health Organization reports that around 1 billion people in the world could benefit from glasses. Yet places like Ghana have only one optometrist per 8 million people. This makes glasses almost impossible to get. Joshua Silver, a professor at Oxford University, however, may have solved the problem.
Silver has developed liquid-filled glasses that wearers adjust themselves without seeing a doctor! The lenses are filled with oil. Using a dial on the glasses, the wearer adjusts the amount of oil. This changes the strength of the lens. After the wearer finds the right strength, he seals the lens with a valve. Results show that among those who have tried the glasses, around 80 percent successfully corrected their vision. Silver's goal is for everyone who still needs glasses to have them by 2020. With his self-adjusting glasses, Silver may find that his goal just might be in sight.
lens n. 鏡片
複數：lenses
eg: One lens broke when my eyeglasses fell on the ground.
=> 我的眼鏡掉在地上，一邊眼鏡破掉了。
eg: contact lenses 隱形眼鏡
lens n. 鏡頭
=> the part of glasses you look through, usually made of glasses
eg: The lens of this camera is very delicate.
=> 這相機的鏡頭很容易受損。
strength n. 眼鏡的度數
eg: As I grew older, the strength of my eye glasses needed to be readjusted.
=> 我的年齡漸長，眼睛度數需要被重調。
strength 各種特質的強度/長處
eg: I only need coffee of normal strength. Espresso is way too strong for me.
=> 我只需要一般濃度的咖啡。 Espresso對我來說是太濃了。
vision n. 眼睛的視力
eg: He has very limited vision in his right eye.
=> 他右眼視力非常有限。
eg: Doing eye exercises can improve one's vision.
=> 做眼睛體操可以改善視力。
eg: 20/20 vision 標準視力
=> 意思是指在離開視力圖二十呎的地方可以一般人二十英呎應該看得到的字
WHO [World Health Organization] (聯合國)世界衛生組織
billion n. 十億
optometrist n. 1.驗光師
=> an eye doctor who examines your eyes and give you glasses or contact glasses
valve n. 閥/活門
=> a device that open and close to allow gas or liquid in and out
vision n. 視力/視覺
=> the ability to see
//== Chat room ==//
以下名詞都以複數形存在scissors, pants, glasses，其中他們的動詞都要是用複數
eg: Where are my glasses? Here they are.
如果用a pair of + 複數形名詞時，動詞則用單數，因為pair是單數
eg: These pants are expensive.
eg: This pair of pants is expensive.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Results show that among those who have tried the glasses, around 80 percent successfully corrected their vision.
=> Results show that around 80 percent of those who have tried the glasses successfully corrected their vision.
...among those who have tried the glasses.
=> 將這個句子的重點放在前面，讓讀者有強烈的印象，用在一些研究報告句子
eg: A study reports that among American children under age 17, 82 percent of them are gamers.
eg: A recent report shows that among 13 year old girls, 53 percent say they are unhappy with their bodies.
//== More Information ==//
Kevin White began Global Vision 2020 as a way to distribute Silvers glasses to needy people around the world. He trains volunteers from local organizations in developing countries. The volunteers are given two simple tasks: distribute glasses to those in need and train OTHER local volunteers to do the same. In this way, White says the Global Vision vision will continue to grow!
2010年4月13日 星期二
20100413 The Wonderful World of Antiques (2)
The Wonderful World of Antiques
SC: How do you know you are getting a good price? FA: Since there really are no standard prices for antiques, it all depends on what the buyer thinks an item is worth.
SC: How do you know if you are getting an antique, a reconstruction or a reproduction?
FA: A lot of it comes down to using logic. One hundred years ago, people made things with hand tools, so antiques rarely have a perfect, machine finish. They also used the same type of wood for the entire piece, so checking for consistent wood grain and color is important.
The use of different woods in a reconstructed or reproduced piece is often hidden by paint. Construction techniques were also different in the past. People frequently used joints instead of nails. Real antiques always show evidence of restoration, like tightened joints and refinishing.
SC: Do you have any advice for people who are interested in buying antiques?
FA: Get to know your antique dealer. Talk to people who have bought antiques. Read some reference books and ask a lot of questions. Take time to study the piece you are interested in, and don't be in a hurry to buy.
logic n. 邏輯/邏輯學
eg: The theory's logic is easy to understand.
=> 這個原理的邏輯很容易瞭解。
eg: It's hard for me to accept the logic behind his argument.
=> 要我接受他論點之後的邏輯，實在很困難。
logic n. 合理/合乎邏輯的講法
eg: There's no logic in sacrificing your health just to make money.
=> 只是為了賺金而犧牲自己的的健康實在不合邏輯。
finish n. (木頭製品完成時的)拋光/上了漆的表面
=> describe a kind of surface of a object, it might have tiny finish
eg: The polish gives the coffee table a shiny finish.
=> 這個擦亮劑給咖啡桌有個很光亮的表面。
eg: The rustic finish of the bench gives it a special charm.
=> 這個長凳粗獷的表面讓它增添一種特別的美感。
consistent adj. 一致的/前後一致的
consistent with something
eg: There has been consistent growth in our company's sales.
=> 我們的公司中的銷售一直都有一致性的成長。
eg: The witness' description is consistent with the police's record.
=> 證人的描述與警察的紀錄是一致。
wood grain 木紋
=> the texture in the wood
reference book 參考書
//== Chat room ==//
duplicate n. 複製品
duplicate v. 複製
reproduce v. 複製/再生/(生物)繁殖
reproduction n. 翻印版本
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
A lot of it comes down to using logic.
=> A lot of it is basically about using logic.
come down to
= be basically about
eg: Whether a person succeeds or not comes down to one's attitude.
eg: Although the magic trick may look impossible, it all comes down to how fast your fingers move.
SC: How do you know you are getting a good price? FA: Since there really are no standard prices for antiques, it all depends on what the buyer thinks an item is worth.
SC: How do you know if you are getting an antique, a reconstruction or a reproduction?
FA: A lot of it comes down to using logic. One hundred years ago, people made things with hand tools, so antiques rarely have a perfect, machine finish. They also used the same type of wood for the entire piece, so checking for consistent wood grain and color is important.
The use of different woods in a reconstructed or reproduced piece is often hidden by paint. Construction techniques were also different in the past. People frequently used joints instead of nails. Real antiques always show evidence of restoration, like tightened joints and refinishing.
SC: Do you have any advice for people who are interested in buying antiques?
FA: Get to know your antique dealer. Talk to people who have bought antiques. Read some reference books and ask a lot of questions. Take time to study the piece you are interested in, and don't be in a hurry to buy.
logic n. 邏輯/邏輯學
eg: The theory's logic is easy to understand.
=> 這個原理的邏輯很容易瞭解。
eg: It's hard for me to accept the logic behind his argument.
=> 要我接受他論點之後的邏輯，實在很困難。
logic n. 合理/合乎邏輯的講法
eg: There's no logic in sacrificing your health just to make money.
=> 只是為了賺金而犧牲自己的的健康實在不合邏輯。
finish n. (木頭製品完成時的)拋光/上了漆的表面
=> describe a kind of surface of a object, it might have tiny finish
eg: The polish gives the coffee table a shiny finish.
=> 這個擦亮劑給咖啡桌有個很光亮的表面。
eg: The rustic finish of the bench gives it a special charm.
=> 這個長凳粗獷的表面讓它增添一種特別的美感。
consistent adj. 一致的/前後一致的
consistent with something
eg: There has been consistent growth in our company's sales.
=> 我們的公司中的銷售一直都有一致性的成長。
eg: The witness' description is consistent with the police's record.
=> 證人的描述與警察的紀錄是一致。
wood grain 木紋
=> the texture in the wood
reference book 參考書
//== Chat room ==//
duplicate n. 複製品
duplicate v. 複製
reproduce v. 複製/再生/(生物)繁殖
reproduction n. 翻印版本
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
A lot of it comes down to using logic.
=> A lot of it is basically about using logic.
come down to
= be basically about
eg: Whether a person succeeds or not comes down to one's attitude.
eg: Although the magic trick may look impossible, it all comes down to how fast your fingers move.
2010年4月12日 星期一
20100412 The Wonderful World of Antiques (1)
The Wonderful World of Antiques
How can you tell if what you are buying is really an antique?
SC: What is an antique?
FA: Well, there are really three words you need to knowin the antique business: antique, reconstruction and reproduction. An antique is an item that is over 100 years old and less than 33 percent restored. A reconstruction might also be more than 100 years old but has been altered more than 33 percent. A reproduction is a new piece - with or without old materials - that has been made to look antique.
SC: How much do antiques cost?
FA: It depends on anumber of factors like age, size, the materials and techniques used in construction.
The quality of the piece is also important. Real antiques tend to be unique items because they were made before things were mass-produced. Most of them were also originally made for wealthy families because they could afford to have things made with better materials. In the 1970s and '80s, there was an abundance of antiques in the Asia market. Now that the market is depleted, prices have gone up a lot. But generally, reconstructed pieces are worth between a quarter and a third of the price of antiques.
construction n. 建造
reconstruction 重建
eg: The reconstruction of the chapel took over 15 years.
=> 這個教堂的重建花了超過15年的時間。
reproduction 複製品
eg: a reproduction of Van Gogh's "Starry Night"
"梵谷的星空"這幅畫的複製品.
alter v. 改變
=> has been changed, changed to fit a certain thing
eg: We have to alter our schedule to meet the new deadline.
=> 為了要在新的限期內交件，我們必須修改我們的日程表。
alter v. 修改
eg: The engine of this car was altered to have more horsepower.
=> 這輛汽車引擎被改裝過讓馬力更增加。
deplete v. 消耗/使減少
depleted adj 枯竭的
=> reduced, gone done
eg: Depleted food supplies were the key reason the weak troops were defeated.
=> 食品補給的不足是隊伍被擊敗的關鍵原因。
eg: The river is depleted of fish.
=> 這條河激幾乎沒有任何魚了。
antique n. 古董
mass-produced 大量生產
restore
=> brought back to the original condition
//== Chat room ==//
old adj. 舊的
oldie n.
=> 老東西
=> 古時候的東西
=> 令人懷念的老歌、老電影
=> 老人/資深的老資格的人
newbie n. 新手/菜鳥
How can you tell if what you are buying is really an antique?
SC: What is an antique?
FA: Well, there are really three words you need to knowin the antique business: antique, reconstruction and reproduction. An antique is an item that is over 100 years old and less than 33 percent restored. A reconstruction might also be more than 100 years old but has been altered more than 33 percent. A reproduction is a new piece - with or without old materials - that has been made to look antique.
SC: How much do antiques cost?
FA: It depends on anumber of factors like age, size, the materials and techniques used in construction.
The quality of the piece is also important. Real antiques tend to be unique items because they were made before things were mass-produced. Most of them were also originally made for wealthy families because they could afford to have things made with better materials. In the 1970s and '80s, there was an abundance of antiques in the Asia market. Now that the market is depleted, prices have gone up a lot. But generally, reconstructed pieces are worth between a quarter and a third of the price of antiques.
construction n. 建造
reconstruction 重建
eg: The reconstruction of the chapel took over 15 years.
=> 這個教堂的重建花了超過15年的時間。
reproduction 複製品
eg: a reproduction of Van Gogh's "Starry Night"
"梵谷的星空"這幅畫的複製品.
alter v. 改變
=> has been changed, changed to fit a certain thing
eg: We have to alter our schedule to meet the new deadline.
=> 為了要在新的限期內交件，我們必須修改我們的日程表。
alter v. 修改
eg: The engine of this car was altered to have more horsepower.
=> 這輛汽車引擎被改裝過讓馬力更增加。
deplete v. 消耗/使減少
depleted adj 枯竭的
=> reduced, gone done
eg: Depleted food supplies were the key reason the weak troops were defeated.
=> 食品補給的不足是隊伍被擊敗的關鍵原因。
eg: The river is depleted of fish.
=> 這條河激幾乎沒有任何魚了。
antique n. 古董
mass-produced 大量生產
restore
=> brought back to the original condition
//== Chat room ==//
old adj. 舊的
oldie n.
=> 老東西
=> 古時候的東西
=> 令人懷念的老歌、老電影
=> 老人/資深的老資格的人
newbie n. 新手/菜鳥
2010年4月10日 星期六
20100410 Victoria Dip Into the Sensual Pleasures of This Canadian Harbor Town (3)
Victoria: Dip Into the Sensual Pleasures of This Canadian Harbor Town
Munro Books. Oh, I do love this bookstore. Walk in and you want to stay a week in this large but welcoming space, where gorgeous banners of the four seasons decorate the high walls. Explore the island. Victoria is at the southern tip of pretty, green Vancouver Island. The city is the capital of British Columbia, and as the seat of the Provincial Government, exudes cosmopolitan cachet. But drive a few miles outside the city, and the island quickly turns into a rural communit of small towns -- fun to explore, and don't forget the beaches. Rent a car for a day and explore how the lucky Vancouver Islanders live.
Shopping. Victoria is loaded with shops. But this is not a stock-up-at-the-Gap town; boutiques here sell Irish woolens, Scottish plaids and expensive European clothing. Porcelain shops will make you smile, with chubby teapots from floral to art deco styles. Serious bargain shoppers can do well scouting for outerwear, since Canadian manufacturers have mastered cold weather issues. They produce soe excellent lines of sporting and outerwear, with prices usually beating same-grade U.S. products.
Munro Books. Oh, I do love this bookstore. Walk in and you want to stay a week in this large but welcoming space, where gorgeous banners of the four seasons decorate the high walls. Explore the island. Victoria is at the southern tip of pretty, green Vancouver Island. The city is the capital of British Columbia, and as the seat of the Provincial Government, exudes cosmopolitan cachet. But drive a few miles outside the city, and the island quickly turns into a rural communit of small towns -- fun to explore, and don't forget the beaches. Rent a car for a day and explore how the lucky Vancouver Islanders live.
Shopping. Victoria is loaded with shops. But this is not a stock-up-at-the-Gap town; boutiques here sell Irish woolens, Scottish plaids and expensive European clothing. Porcelain shops will make you smile, with chubby teapots from floral to art deco styles. Serious bargain shoppers can do well scouting for outerwear, since Canadian manufacturers have mastered cold weather issues. They produce soe excellent lines of sporting and outerwear, with prices usually beating same-grade U.S. products.
2010年4月9日 星期五
20100409 Victoria Dip Into the Sensual Pleasures of This Canadian Harbor Town (2)
Victoria: Dip Into the Sensual Pleasures of This Canadian Harbor Town
Spa on the cheap: Victoria has several spas, including the high-end Willow Stream Spa at the Empress. Expensive and too booked to fit me in on short notice. Happily, I ended up at a spa so charming that I wouldn't have missed it. Silk Road has a mellow little tea and aromatherapy shop upstairs. Downstairs, spa rooms offer a full range of services, with organic tonics and lotions. My pedicure was "au natural," no nail polish, but a peppermint pedicure ending with a gleaming nail buff plus a reflexology massage that lifted my spirits.
Take a peek inside the Fairmont Empress
Hotel Victoria, which is located halfway between Asia and Europe, once provided a pleasant stop for the great steamships, offloading wealthy travelers and government officials. Dine in the Bengal Lounge, with its Indian decor, or sip tea in the elegant palm-fronded Tea Lobby.
Butchart Gardens.
If you could walk in Butchart Gardens alone, you would find floral bliss among flowers bursting to retina-rousing colors. You would find soothing exploration in the gardens trailing one to another. The problem is, you will not be alone in this busy tour-bus destination.
mellow adj. 令人愉快的/令人放鬆的
=> relax/calm
eg: This mellow cafe is always packed with customers from the neighborhood.
=> 這家令人放鬆的咖啡館總是擠滿了從附近來的顧客。
eg: The mellow atmosphere of this bookstore makes you want to stay longer.
=> 這家書店令人愉樂的氣分使人想要多逗留一下。
pedi- 腳
cure- 照料
pedicure n. 足部治療/修趾甲術
eg: Mom went for a pedicure before taking a trip to the beach.
=> 去海灘渡假之前媽媽去做足部護理。
manicure n. 手部治療
eg: More and more men are having manicures.
=> 越來越多男士也做手部護理。
gleam v. 閃爍
gleaming adj. 乾淨到閃閃發亮的
eg: The customers can see gleaming counters in the kitchen through the windows.
=> 顧客能透過櫥窗看到閃閃發亮的廚房流理台。
eg: The gleaming new car attracted people's attention.
=> 閃閃發亮的新車吸引了人們的目光。
aroma n. 芳香/香氣/香味
=> a pleasing/good smell
therapy n. 治療/療法
=> a technique that is used to cure people
aromatherapy n. 芳香療法
tonic n. 補藥
lotion n. 乳液
eg: suntan lotion 防曬乳
gleamingly 1.隱約可見地
peek v. 偷看/窺視
=> take a quick look
steamship n. 汽船/輪船
offload v. 卸(貨)/下(客)/卸(載)
palm n. 棕櫚(樹)
floral adj. 花的/似花的
blissful adj. 樂而忘憂的/帶來福氣的
bliss n. 極樂/至喜/天堂之樂
=> extremely happiness/pleasure
=> very happy
retina-rousing
rouse
=> to open it up your eyes
soothing adj. 使人寬心的
//== Chat room ==//
on the cheap 很便宜的
=> 英國人用法，表示很便宜的，相當於美國的bargain(特價商品/便宜貨)
eg: Plan your own vacation on the cheap.
eg: Go to a fastfood restaurant to eat dinner on the cheap.
eg: To travel on the cheap. 省錢的旅遊
bargain n.
=> Something is cheap or at low cost
高消費不能說on the expensive而要說on the expensive side 有點昂贵
on the busy side 有點忙碌
one the tired side 有些累
one the cheap side 便宜的價錢
one the quiet side 有些安静
//== More Information ==//
If you haven't experienced a Bed and Breakfast, you must! In Victoria, there are many to choose from. The Heathergate House, near downtown Victoria, is a great place to start. All of the rooms are beautifully decorated with antiques. You really feel as if you are staying in a small English Inn. Every morning a hearty breakfast is served, including homemade scones and blueberry muffins!
Spa on the cheap: Victoria has several spas, including the high-end Willow Stream Spa at the Empress. Expensive and too booked to fit me in on short notice. Happily, I ended up at a spa so charming that I wouldn't have missed it. Silk Road has a mellow little tea and aromatherapy shop upstairs. Downstairs, spa rooms offer a full range of services, with organic tonics and lotions. My pedicure was "au natural," no nail polish, but a peppermint pedicure ending with a gleaming nail buff plus a reflexology massage that lifted my spirits.
Take a peek inside the Fairmont Empress
Hotel Victoria, which is located halfway between Asia and Europe, once provided a pleasant stop for the great steamships, offloading wealthy travelers and government officials. Dine in the Bengal Lounge, with its Indian decor, or sip tea in the elegant palm-fronded Tea Lobby.
Butchart Gardens.
If you could walk in Butchart Gardens alone, you would find floral bliss among flowers bursting to retina-rousing colors. You would find soothing exploration in the gardens trailing one to another. The problem is, you will not be alone in this busy tour-bus destination.
mellow adj. 令人愉快的/令人放鬆的
=> relax/calm
eg: This mellow cafe is always packed with customers from the neighborhood.
=> 這家令人放鬆的咖啡館總是擠滿了從附近來的顧客。
eg: The mellow atmosphere of this bookstore makes you want to stay longer.
=> 這家書店令人愉樂的氣分使人想要多逗留一下。
pedi- 腳
cure- 照料
pedicure n. 足部治療/修趾甲術
eg: Mom went for a pedicure before taking a trip to the beach.
=> 去海灘渡假之前媽媽去做足部護理。
manicure n. 手部治療
eg: More and more men are having manicures.
=> 越來越多男士也做手部護理。
gleam v. 閃爍
gleaming adj. 乾淨到閃閃發亮的
eg: The customers can see gleaming counters in the kitchen through the windows.
=> 顧客能透過櫥窗看到閃閃發亮的廚房流理台。
eg: The gleaming new car attracted people's attention.
=> 閃閃發亮的新車吸引了人們的目光。
aroma n. 芳香/香氣/香味
=> a pleasing/good smell
therapy n. 治療/療法
=> a technique that is used to cure people
aromatherapy n. 芳香療法
tonic n. 補藥
lotion n. 乳液
eg: suntan lotion 防曬乳
gleamingly 1.隱約可見地
peek v. 偷看/窺視
=> take a quick look
steamship n. 汽船/輪船
offload v. 卸(貨)/下(客)/卸(載)
palm n. 棕櫚(樹)
floral adj. 花的/似花的
blissful adj. 樂而忘憂的/帶來福氣的
bliss n. 極樂/至喜/天堂之樂
=> extremely happiness/pleasure
=> very happy
retina-rousing
rouse
=> to open it up your eyes
soothing adj. 使人寬心的
//== Chat room ==//
on the cheap 很便宜的
=> 英國人用法，表示很便宜的，相當於美國的bargain(特價商品/便宜貨)
eg: Plan your own vacation on the cheap.
eg: Go to a fastfood restaurant to eat dinner on the cheap.
eg: To travel on the cheap. 省錢的旅遊
bargain n.
=> Something is cheap or at low cost
高消費不能說on the expensive而要說on the expensive side 有點昂贵
on the busy side 有點忙碌
one the tired side 有些累
one the cheap side 便宜的價錢
one the quiet side 有些安静
//== More Information ==//
If you haven't experienced a Bed and Breakfast, you must! In Victoria, there are many to choose from. The Heathergate House, near downtown Victoria, is a great place to start. All of the rooms are beautifully decorated with antiques. You really feel as if you are staying in a small English Inn. Every morning a hearty breakfast is served, including homemade scones and blueberry muffins!
2010年4月8日 星期四
20100408 Victoria Dip Into the Sensual Pleasures of This Canadian Harbor Town (1)
Victoria: Dip Into the Sensual Pleasures of This Canadian Harbor Town
This city on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, will delight one's senses
Victoria is your cup of tea if you like the idea of bobbing along no faster than the little boats moored in its pocket harbor. A stroll along the Inner Harbour teaches you the proper Victoria pace. Ah, gaze upon the lovely reflections of the boats on the water. And how can the snowcapped peaks of the Olympic Range be so close in sight when this mild marine climate is kissing your cheeks? Walk along the harbor past the famous Empress Hotel and the Parliament buildings. Or take a white horse-drawn carriage along Government Street past the harbor, where on a summer evening, street performers strike up tasteful concerts.
Add an ice cream cone, and you have a sublime evening's stroll. Victoria does not end here. Like a cup of tea, it infuses the town, inviting a slow and relaxing visit. For tea in the Victorian manner, the Empress Hotel is the queen of bone china elegance. For other dips into sensual pleasures, try these: Fly into Victoria on a floatplane. The floatplane skids you right up to a dock just steps from the Empress Hotel. It's a fun flight and much quicker than the ferry.
sublime adj. 崇高的/令人崇敬的
eg: He is a man of sublime virtue.
=> 他是具有高尚美德的人。
sensual adj. 滿足感官的/感覺起來很舒服的
eg: The restaurant's gourmet food offers a sensual delight in eating.
=> 這家餐廳的美食提供飲食的感官享受。
eg: Babies need positive sensual stimulation to feel loved.
=> 嬰孩需要正面的感官刺激感受到被愛。
moor v. 停泊
eg: Many boats moored in the harbor to avoid the coming hurricane.
=> 為了躲避即將到來的颱風許多船隻都停泊在這個港灣裡。
moor v. 用繩索固定
eg: We moored our boat to a tree trunk near the shore.
=> 我們用繩索把船停泊在岸邊附近的樹幹上。
infuse v. 充滿/注入
eg: Our new manager infused motivation and optimism into our department.
=> 這位新的經理為我們的部門注入了新的動力和樂觀的精神。
eg: The arrival of the group of young people infused new life into the old town.
=> 這群青年人的到來讓這個古老的城鎮注入了新的活力。
sensual adj. 官能的/肉體上的
= of the senses
bob along
=> on the water in the boat
=> walk along
strike up
= begin
parliament n. 議會/國會
floatplane n. 飛行艇
skid v. 滑行
//== Chat room ==//
one's cup of tea 某人感興趣或是喜愛的東西
=> If you like something, you can say something is your cup of tea.
eg: Horror movie is not my cup of tea.
eg: Reading is my cup of tea.
is not my cup of tea
=> 不是我喜歡的/不適合我的東西
not my bag 不是我拿手的事情
eg: Cooking is not my bag.
eg: Playing sports is not my bag.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Victoria is your cup of tea, if you like the idea of bobbing along...
=> You would be interested in Victoria if you like the idea of bobbing along...
your cup of tea (用於informal situations)
=> your interest
=> your personal preference
eg: Golfing is Jonathan's cup of tea.
eg: Shopping is Saran's cup of tea.
one's cup of tea.
=> one's interest or personal preference
not one's cup of tea
=> not interested in
eg: Hiking is not my cup of tea.
eg: Going to parties is not Robby"s cup of tea.
This city on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, will delight one's senses
Victoria is your cup of tea if you like the idea of bobbing along no faster than the little boats moored in its pocket harbor. A stroll along the Inner Harbour teaches you the proper Victoria pace. Ah, gaze upon the lovely reflections of the boats on the water. And how can the snowcapped peaks of the Olympic Range be so close in sight when this mild marine climate is kissing your cheeks? Walk along the harbor past the famous Empress Hotel and the Parliament buildings. Or take a white horse-drawn carriage along Government Street past the harbor, where on a summer evening, street performers strike up tasteful concerts.
Add an ice cream cone, and you have a sublime evening's stroll. Victoria does not end here. Like a cup of tea, it infuses the town, inviting a slow and relaxing visit. For tea in the Victorian manner, the Empress Hotel is the queen of bone china elegance. For other dips into sensual pleasures, try these: Fly into Victoria on a floatplane. The floatplane skids you right up to a dock just steps from the Empress Hotel. It's a fun flight and much quicker than the ferry.
sublime adj. 崇高的/令人崇敬的
eg: He is a man of sublime virtue.
=> 他是具有高尚美德的人。
sensual adj. 滿足感官的/感覺起來很舒服的
eg: The restaurant's gourmet food offers a sensual delight in eating.
=> 這家餐廳的美食提供飲食的感官享受。
eg: Babies need positive sensual stimulation to feel loved.
=> 嬰孩需要正面的感官刺激感受到被愛。
moor v. 停泊
eg: Many boats moored in the harbor to avoid the coming hurricane.
=> 為了躲避即將到來的颱風許多船隻都停泊在這個港灣裡。
moor v. 用繩索固定
eg: We moored our boat to a tree trunk near the shore.
=> 我們用繩索把船停泊在岸邊附近的樹幹上。
infuse v. 充滿/注入
eg: Our new manager infused motivation and optimism into our department.
=> 這位新的經理為我們的部門注入了新的動力和樂觀的精神。
eg: The arrival of the group of young people infused new life into the old town.
=> 這群青年人的到來讓這個古老的城鎮注入了新的活力。
sensual adj. 官能的/肉體上的
= of the senses
bob along
=> on the water in the boat
=> walk along
strike up
= begin
parliament n. 議會/國會
floatplane n. 飛行艇
skid v. 滑行
//== Chat room ==//
one's cup of tea 某人感興趣或是喜愛的東西
=> If you like something, you can say something is your cup of tea.
eg: Horror movie is not my cup of tea.
eg: Reading is my cup of tea.
is not my cup of tea
=> 不是我喜歡的/不適合我的東西
not my bag 不是我拿手的事情
eg: Cooking is not my bag.
eg: Playing sports is not my bag.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Victoria is your cup of tea, if you like the idea of bobbing along...
=> You would be interested in Victoria if you like the idea of bobbing along...
your cup of tea (用於informal situations)
=> your interest
=> your personal preference
eg: Golfing is Jonathan's cup of tea.
eg: Shopping is Saran's cup of tea.
one's cup of tea.
=> one's interest or personal preference
not one's cup of tea
=> not interested in
eg: Hiking is not my cup of tea.
eg: Going to parties is not Robby"s cup of tea.
2010年4月7日 星期三
20100407 A Mother's Choice (2)
A Mother's Choice
Conversation B
Anita: That's possible. And I know my supervisor really depends on me.
Roger: Of course – you're talented and good at what you do.
Anita: Thank you. But as important as my career is, I am beginning to have different priorities.
Roger: What do you mean?
Anita: Since Denise's birth, I've been thinking. Babies grow and change so fast – I don't want to miss that. When she's in school, I can go back to work.
Roger: But I know you enjoy interacting with people. Are you sure you want to spend all day taking care of Denise and the house?
Anita: To be honest, I am afraid I might get bored. But maybe I can get to know some of the mothers from the playgroup that meets in the park.
Roger: OK. I guess I just thought we'd work together to juggle the responsibilities of raising a family and having careers.
Anita: Me too, but now I'm afraid that we'll just get burned out.
Roger: You're probably right. And being stressed out isn't fun.
Anita: And it won't be forever. I just think it's what's best right now.
Roger: Well, the most important thing is that you're happy with this decision.
as adjective as something is 既使...仍然要
eg: as important as something is 既使...仍然要
eg: As costly as the treatment is, we still decided to take a chance with it.
=> 既使這個治療方式這麼昂貴，我們決定試試看。
eg: As hard as the training is, Dave is determined to stay on the team.
=> 既使這個訓練這麼辛苦，Dave 還是確定留在隊伍中。
priority n. 優先事項/優先考慮的事
eg: Getting a loan from the bank is now our first priority.
=> 得到銀行貸款是我們現在的當務之急。
eg: To have better time management, you need to first get your priorities straight.
=> 要有更好的時間管理，您首先需要把優先順序排好。
juggle v. 耍把戲(同時拋很多球)
juggle v. 本文章指同時應付很多種任務/責任
eg: As a CEO, it's not easy to juggle so many responsibilities.
=> 身為CEO，要同時應付這麼多的事是 不容易的事。
eg: Victor is having trouble juggling school and baseball.
=> Victor沒有辦法兼顧學業和打棒球。
depend on 依靠/依賴
= count on
supervisor n. 監督人/管理人/指導者
=> a person in a company that supervises/manages people
=> a leader in a certain organization
take care of 照顧/注意
playgroup n. 學齡前幼兒遊戲組
get burned out 不再熱衷/失去興趣、熱情
=> do something so long and so intensively and you really get sick and tired of it
eg: When you burn out, you lose enthusiasm, I always loved computers. All of a sudden I just didn't care
=> 一個人失去了興趣,就失去了熱心,我向來熱愛電腦,突然間我卻一點也不在乎。
//== Chat room ==//
housewife n. 家庭主婦
=> 和homemaker比的話，housewife算是negative term
=> housewife是帶有刻版印象的字，
=> 它會讓人聯想到一整天帶小孩、忙家事
=> 使自己變成沒有自我的黃臉婆的家庭主婦
homemaker n. 主婦/持家的人
=> It's better to say homemaker, stay-at-home mom or full-time mom
=> 現在家庭主婦升級為homemaker
=> 這是一個看不出性別的字
=> 因此一個在家帶孩子、負責家務的丈夫也可以是homemaker
=> 他的工作就是把房子改造成一個家
stay-at-home mom 全職媽媽
full-time mom 全職媽媽
=> a full-time mon cooks clean and takes care of their children
domestic engineer 全職媽媽
=> domestic engineer take care of something in the house
=> politically correct的用語
maid n. 傭人
=> 和housekeeper比較的話，maid算是negative term
=> 如果要用politically correct的用語，可以說domestic worker
=> 一般我們用housekeeper就可以了
housekeeper 女管家
= people that clean houses
Conversation B
Anita: That's possible. And I know my supervisor really depends on me.
Roger: Of course – you're talented and good at what you do.
Anita: Thank you. But as important as my career is, I am beginning to have different priorities.
Roger: What do you mean?
Anita: Since Denise's birth, I've been thinking. Babies grow and change so fast – I don't want to miss that. When she's in school, I can go back to work.
Roger: But I know you enjoy interacting with people. Are you sure you want to spend all day taking care of Denise and the house?
Anita: To be honest, I am afraid I might get bored. But maybe I can get to know some of the mothers from the playgroup that meets in the park.
Roger: OK. I guess I just thought we'd work together to juggle the responsibilities of raising a family and having careers.
Anita: Me too, but now I'm afraid that we'll just get burned out.
Roger: You're probably right. And being stressed out isn't fun.
Anita: And it won't be forever. I just think it's what's best right now.
Roger: Well, the most important thing is that you're happy with this decision.
as adjective as something is 既使...仍然要
eg: as important as something is 既使...仍然要
eg: As costly as the treatment is, we still decided to take a chance with it.
=> 既使這個治療方式這麼昂貴，我們決定試試看。
eg: As hard as the training is, Dave is determined to stay on the team.
=> 既使這個訓練這麼辛苦，Dave 還是確定留在隊伍中。
priority n. 優先事項/優先考慮的事
eg: Getting a loan from the bank is now our first priority.
=> 得到銀行貸款是我們現在的當務之急。
eg: To have better time management, you need to first get your priorities straight.
=> 要有更好的時間管理，您首先需要把優先順序排好。
juggle v. 耍把戲(同時拋很多球)
juggle v. 本文章指同時應付很多種任務/責任
eg: As a CEO, it's not easy to juggle so many responsibilities.
=> 身為CEO，要同時應付這麼多的事是 不容易的事。
eg: Victor is having trouble juggling school and baseball.
=> Victor沒有辦法兼顧學業和打棒球。
depend on 依靠/依賴
= count on
supervisor n. 監督人/管理人/指導者
=> a person in a company that supervises/manages people
=> a leader in a certain organization
take care of 照顧/注意
playgroup n. 學齡前幼兒遊戲組
get burned out 不再熱衷/失去興趣、熱情
=> do something so long and so intensively and you really get sick and tired of it
eg: When you burn out, you lose enthusiasm, I always loved computers. All of a sudden I just didn't care
=> 一個人失去了興趣,就失去了熱心,我向來熱愛電腦,突然間我卻一點也不在乎。
//== Chat room ==//
housewife n. 家庭主婦
=> 和homemaker比的話，housewife算是negative term
=> housewife是帶有刻版印象的字，
=> 它會讓人聯想到一整天帶小孩、忙家事
=> 使自己變成沒有自我的黃臉婆的家庭主婦
homemaker n. 主婦/持家的人
=> It's better to say homemaker, stay-at-home mom or full-time mom
=> 現在家庭主婦升級為homemaker
=> 這是一個看不出性別的字
=> 因此一個在家帶孩子、負責家務的丈夫也可以是homemaker
=> 他的工作就是把房子改造成一個家
stay-at-home mom 全職媽媽
full-time mom 全職媽媽
=> a full-time mon cooks clean and takes care of their children
domestic engineer 全職媽媽
=> domestic engineer take care of something in the house
=> politically correct的用語
maid n. 傭人
=> 和housekeeper比較的話，maid算是negative term
=> 如果要用politically correct的用語，可以說domestic worker
=> 一般我們用housekeeper就可以了
housekeeper 女管家
= people that clean houses
2010年4月6日 星期二
20100406 A Mother's Choice (1)
A Mother's Choice
Many new moms face a big decision: return to the workplace or stay at home with her child
Anita and Roger Blackwell had a baby girl, Denise, two months ago. Before Denise arrived, Anita had planned to return to her office job, but now she's having second thoughts.
Conversation A
Anita: Roger, I've really enjoyed being home with Denise. Now that my maternity leave is almost over, I'm actually rethinking returning to my job.
Roger: Really? When we talked about this before Denise arrived, you always insisted you would keep your job.
Anita: But that was before I experienced the joys of being a full-time mom.
Roger: You know I will support whatever decision you have made, but losing your income will definitely affect to our financial situation...
Anita: I know, we may have make some sacrifices, and some changes in our life style.
Roger: Maybe even have to put off buying a house.
Anita: But we wouldn't have to worry about child care expenses.
Roger: Money is one thing, but how about your career? You love your job.
Anita: I would miss it, but I just can't stand the thought of someone else raising Denise. I feel as I was neglecting her.
Roger: No one can take the place of the parents in a child's life that's for sure. But quitting your job is a big decision that will hurt your career.
have second thoughts 改變主意
=> 有另外的想法即改變主意
eg: I intended to accept the job offer, but now I'm having second thoughts because of the long commute.
=> 我原本打算要接受這份工作的機會，但是因為通勤時間很長現在我改變主意了。
sacrifice n. 犧牲/犧牲的行為
eg: In order to give their children the best education, the couple made a lot of sacrifices.
sacrifice v. 犧牲
eg: Becoming successful doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your principles.
eg: Parents are willing to sacrifice for their children.
put off ph. 拖延/延遲
eg: She had to put off her dentist appointment because she had to go on a business trip.
eg: The school decided to put off remodeling the cafeteria until more funding became available.
=> 學校決定要延後餐廳的裝修，直到有更多的經費下來.
//== Chat room =//
maternal adj. 母親的
paternal adj. 父親的
maternity leave 產假
=> 記法：ma開頭，聽起來像媽
paternity leave (得新生兒後的)父親假
=> 記法：pa開頭，聽起來像爸
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Now that my maternity leave is almost over, I'm actually rethinking returning to my job.
=> Since my maternity leave is almost over, I'm actually rethinking returning to my job.
now that 因為
= because
= since
eg: Now that the club's usual meeting place will be torn down, the club members have to find a new location.
eg: Now that Paul and his wife have a baby to take care of, Paul needs to find a second job.
Many new moms face a big decision: return to the workplace or stay at home with her child
Anita and Roger Blackwell had a baby girl, Denise, two months ago. Before Denise arrived, Anita had planned to return to her office job, but now she's having second thoughts.
Conversation A
Anita: Roger, I've really enjoyed being home with Denise. Now that my maternity leave is almost over, I'm actually rethinking returning to my job.
Roger: Really? When we talked about this before Denise arrived, you always insisted you would keep your job.
Anita: But that was before I experienced the joys of being a full-time mom.
Roger: You know I will support whatever decision you have made, but losing your income will definitely affect to our financial situation...
Anita: I know, we may have make some sacrifices, and some changes in our life style.
Roger: Maybe even have to put off buying a house.
Anita: But we wouldn't have to worry about child care expenses.
Roger: Money is one thing, but how about your career? You love your job.
Anita: I would miss it, but I just can't stand the thought of someone else raising Denise. I feel as I was neglecting her.
Roger: No one can take the place of the parents in a child's life that's for sure. But quitting your job is a big decision that will hurt your career.
have second thoughts 改變主意
=> 有另外的想法即改變主意
eg: I intended to accept the job offer, but now I'm having second thoughts because of the long commute.
=> 我原本打算要接受這份工作的機會，但是因為通勤時間很長現在我改變主意了。
sacrifice n. 犧牲/犧牲的行為
eg: In order to give their children the best education, the couple made a lot of sacrifices.
sacrifice v. 犧牲
eg: Becoming successful doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your principles.
eg: Parents are willing to sacrifice for their children.
put off ph. 拖延/延遲
eg: She had to put off her dentist appointment because she had to go on a business trip.
eg: The school decided to put off remodeling the cafeteria until more funding became available.
=> 學校決定要延後餐廳的裝修，直到有更多的經費下來.
//== Chat room =//
maternal adj. 母親的
paternal adj. 父親的
maternity leave 產假
=> 記法：ma開頭，聽起來像媽
paternity leave (得新生兒後的)父親假
=> 記法：pa開頭，聽起來像爸
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Now that my maternity leave is almost over, I'm actually rethinking returning to my job.
=> Since my maternity leave is almost over, I'm actually rethinking returning to my job.
now that 因為
= because
= since
eg: Now that the club's usual meeting place will be torn down, the club members have to find a new location.
eg: Now that Paul and his wife have a baby to take care of, Paul needs to find a second job.
2010年4月5日 星期一
20100405 Manners Matter (1)
Manners Matter
Saying "please" and "thank you" makes a big difference
Do nice guys finish last? Not according to one survey. Ninety-five percent of business executives say manners make a differencein the workplace. Manners can promote future success and even advance people's careers. Employers like people who take time to practice courtesy and respect. The better people get along, the more work they can get done. On the other hand, when workers are rude and disrespectful, it slows down the team.
So how can you mind your manners in the workplace? One way is to treat others as you would like to be treated. Try greeting your colleagues when you arrive at work instead of rushing to check your e-mail. Support nyour co-workers instead of complaining about them to others. A positive, caring attitude affects your work performance and motivates others around you. Minding your manners helps make things easier for your boss and fellow co- workers. On top of that, it makes work more enjoyable for everyone!
executive n. 主管/經理人
eg: After years of hard work, Bob finally became a senior executive(高階主管).
ececutive adj. 經營管理的
eg: This project tests Sam's executive ability.
courtesy n. 禮貌/謙恭有禮
eg: A good customer service representative should always treat customers with courtesy.
=> 一個好客服代表應該總是對待顧客以禮相待。
eg: She didn't even have the courtesy to call me and say thank-you.
=> 她連打電話跟我道謝的禮貌都沒有。
performance n. 表現
eg: Every employee's performance is evaluated by at least two different executives.
performance n. 表演
eg: The circus performance azazed the whole audience.
Saying "please" and "thank you" makes a big difference
Do nice guys finish last? Not according to one survey. Ninety-five percent of business executives say manners make a differencein the workplace. Manners can promote future success and even advance people's careers. Employers like people who take time to practice courtesy and respect. The better people get along, the more work they can get done. On the other hand, when workers are rude and disrespectful, it slows down the team.
So how can you mind your manners in the workplace? One way is to treat others as you would like to be treated. Try greeting your colleagues when you arrive at work instead of rushing to check your e-mail. Support nyour co-workers instead of complaining about them to others. A positive, caring attitude affects your work performance and motivates others around you. Minding your manners helps make things easier for your boss and fellow co- workers. On top of that, it makes work more enjoyable for everyone!
executive n. 主管/經理人
eg: After years of hard work, Bob finally became a senior executive(高階主管).
ececutive adj. 經營管理的
eg: This project tests Sam's executive ability.
courtesy n. 禮貌/謙恭有禮
eg: A good customer service representative should always treat customers with courtesy.
=> 一個好客服代表應該總是對待顧客以禮相待。
eg: She didn't even have the courtesy to call me and say thank-you.
=> 她連打電話跟我道謝的禮貌都沒有。
performance n. 表現
eg: Every employee's performance is evaluated by at least two different executives.
performance n. 表演
eg: The circus performance azazed the whole audience.
2010年4月3日 星期六
20100403 The Story of Easter (2)
The Story of Easter
The resurrection
Jesus' friends took his body, wrapped it in cloth, and placed it in a tomb. Jewish leaders, though, feared someone would steal it because Jesus had promised to come back to life on the third day. So Pilate ordered the massive stone at the tomb's opening be sealed and guarded. Three days later, a violent earthquake occurred when an angel appeared and rolled the stone away, terrifying the quards. Later that morning as several women rushed to the place, the angel met them.
He greeted them with the news that Jesus wasn't there; he was alive! The women raced back to Jesus' disciples with the news. When his followers met together that night, Jesus appeared in the midst of them. Naturally, they were frightened. But he ate with them and let them touch the wounds in his feet and hands, proving he was alive. Over the next 40 days, Jesus appeared to over 500 people. After that, his disciples confidently spread the word about Jesus' victory over death and that he truly was the Son of God!
massive adj. 大而重的/巨大的
eg: A massive monument was erected to honor the hero.
=> 人們立了一座巨型的紀念碑來紀念這位英雄。
massive adj. 大量的
eg: Massive clouds covered the sky as it started to rain.
=> 剛開始下雨時天空佈滿了又厚又重的雲層。
eg: A massive crowd gathered in front of city hall to protest.
=> 大批的群眾聚集在市政府前抗議。
disciple n. 本文章指跟隨耶穌的門徒
eg: Peter was one of Jesus' twelve disciples.
=> 彼得是Jesus的十二個門徒之一。
disciple n. 信徒/門徒/追隨者
eg: This painter considered himself a disciple of Andy Warhol.
=> 這位畫家自認為是Andy Warhol的追隨者。
midst n. 中間/中央/當中
in the midst 在某群人之中/在某種狀況中
eg: I saw my son in the midst of the kids who just came out of school.
=> 我在剛下課離開學校的孩子中看見了我的兒子。
eg: Can you call me later? I'm in the midst of an important meeting.
=> 你可以晚點打給我嗎？我正在一個重要的會議中間。
//== Chat room ==//
tomb n. 墳墓(高出地面的)
=> a tomb is above the ground
grave n. 墳墓(低於地面的)
=> a grave is below the ground
cemetery n. 墓地/墓園
//== More Information ==//
What if you got caught doing something wrong like stealing? Then, just as you were about to be punished, your friend stepped in and took the punishment for you. That's exactly what Jesus did for us. Jesus died so we wouldn't have to face the punishment for those bad things we've done. Because of Jesus' death, we've all been given the chance to be forgiven!
The resurrection
Jesus' friends took his body, wrapped it in cloth, and placed it in a tomb. Jewish leaders, though, feared someone would steal it because Jesus had promised to come back to life on the third day. So Pilate ordered the massive stone at the tomb's opening be sealed and guarded. Three days later, a violent earthquake occurred when an angel appeared and rolled the stone away, terrifying the quards. Later that morning as several women rushed to the place, the angel met them.
He greeted them with the news that Jesus wasn't there; he was alive! The women raced back to Jesus' disciples with the news. When his followers met together that night, Jesus appeared in the midst of them. Naturally, they were frightened. But he ate with them and let them touch the wounds in his feet and hands, proving he was alive. Over the next 40 days, Jesus appeared to over 500 people. After that, his disciples confidently spread the word about Jesus' victory over death and that he truly was the Son of God!
massive adj. 大而重的/巨大的
eg: A massive monument was erected to honor the hero.
=> 人們立了一座巨型的紀念碑來紀念這位英雄。
massive adj. 大量的
eg: Massive clouds covered the sky as it started to rain.
=> 剛開始下雨時天空佈滿了又厚又重的雲層。
eg: A massive crowd gathered in front of city hall to protest.
=> 大批的群眾聚集在市政府前抗議。
disciple n. 本文章指跟隨耶穌的門徒
eg: Peter was one of Jesus' twelve disciples.
=> 彼得是Jesus的十二個門徒之一。
disciple n. 信徒/門徒/追隨者
eg: This painter considered himself a disciple of Andy Warhol.
=> 這位畫家自認為是Andy Warhol的追隨者。
midst n. 中間/中央/當中
in the midst 在某群人之中/在某種狀況中
eg: I saw my son in the midst of the kids who just came out of school.
=> 我在剛下課離開學校的孩子中看見了我的兒子。
eg: Can you call me later? I'm in the midst of an important meeting.
=> 你可以晚點打給我嗎？我正在一個重要的會議中間。
//== Chat room ==//
tomb n. 墳墓(高出地面的)
=> a tomb is above the ground
grave n. 墳墓(低於地面的)
=> a grave is below the ground
cemetery n. 墓地/墓園
//== More Information ==//
What if you got caught doing something wrong like stealing? Then, just as you were about to be punished, your friend stepped in and took the punishment for you. That's exactly what Jesus did for us. Jesus died so we wouldn't have to face the punishment for those bad things we've done. Because of Jesus' death, we've all been given the chance to be forgiven!
20100402 The Story of Easter (1)
The Story of Easter
What is the real reason that people celebrate Easter
More than 2,000 years ago, a special baby named Jesus was born in Israel. Around at 30, Jesus began teaching people about God's love, claiming that he was God's son. People were amazed. They were also surprised by his ability to heal, and some traveled long distances to be healed. Jealous of Jesus' popularity the Jewish religious leaders began plotting to capture him.
The arrest and crucifixion
One night while Jesus was praying in a garden, soldiers arrested him. They took him to the local religious leaders for questioning.
The leaders wanted to put him to death but could find no evidence. Then they took him to Pilate, the region's Roman governor, and he couldn't find Jesus guilty of anything either. However, the people, swayed by the local leaders demanded his death. And so, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. After beating him, the soldiers hammered Jesus' hands and feet to a cross. With people mocking him as he suffered, Jesus displayed his love by asking God to forgive them. After about six hours, he breathed his final breath.
plot n. 計謀/情結
plot v. 密謀/策劃
=> 三態變化 plot plotted plotted
=> ing型: plotting
eg: The prisoners plotted an escape but got caught.
=> 囚犯密謀要躍獄，但是被識破。
eg: The robbers were plotting to rob the bank on the corner.
=> 強盜密謀搶奪角落的銀行。
crucify v. 把某人的手腳釘在十字架上處以極刑
The criminal was crucified.
=> 這名罪犯被釘在十字架上處死。
crucify v. 嚴厲的對待/虐待某人
eg: Sandra knew she would be crucified if her boss found out that she lost the important document.
Sandra知道如果她的上司發限了她搞丟了這份重要文件時，一定會讓她會吃不完兜著走。
mock v. 嘲弄/嘲笑
eg: Kids at school mocked the boy because of his height.
=> 這個男孩在學校裡由於他的身高而被嘲笑。
mock v. 嘲弄地模仿
eg: The naughty students mocked the way the teacher spoke and acted.
這些淘氣的學生們嘲弄了老師的說話和舉止
//== Chat room ==//
cross n. 十字架
a heavy cross to bear 忍受/承擔痛苦
=> 字面上為背負沉重的十字架，意義則為忍受/承擔痛苦
cross v. 交叉
cross one's fingers 祝福/祈求好運
eg: I am crossing my fingers that nothing bad will happen to him.
eg: Keep your fingers crossed. 希望未來有好運
cross v. 躍過/渡過
cross your mind 浮在你的腦海裡
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Jealous of Jesus' popularity, the Jewish religious leaders began plotting to capture him.
=> The Jewish religious leaders were jealous of Jesus' popularity, so they began plotting to capture him.
句型: adjective phrase + subject + verb
Jealous of Jesus' popularity +
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Phrase phrase
the Jewish religious leaders +
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Verb
began
^^^^^
Verb
eg: Angry at his parents' decision, Torn stomped back to his room.
eg: Confused about her test scores, Theresa called herteacher for an explanation.
What is the real reason that people celebrate Easter
More than 2,000 years ago, a special baby named Jesus was born in Israel. Around at 30, Jesus began teaching people about God's love, claiming that he was God's son. People were amazed. They were also surprised by his ability to heal, and some traveled long distances to be healed. Jealous of Jesus' popularity the Jewish religious leaders began plotting to capture him.
The arrest and crucifixion
One night while Jesus was praying in a garden, soldiers arrested him. They took him to the local religious leaders for questioning.
The leaders wanted to put him to death but could find no evidence. Then they took him to Pilate, the region's Roman governor, and he couldn't find Jesus guilty of anything either. However, the people, swayed by the local leaders demanded his death. And so, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. After beating him, the soldiers hammered Jesus' hands and feet to a cross. With people mocking him as he suffered, Jesus displayed his love by asking God to forgive them. After about six hours, he breathed his final breath.
plot n. 計謀/情結
plot v. 密謀/策劃
=> 三態變化 plot plotted plotted
=> ing型: plotting
eg: The prisoners plotted an escape but got caught.
=> 囚犯密謀要躍獄，但是被識破。
eg: The robbers were plotting to rob the bank on the corner.
=> 強盜密謀搶奪角落的銀行。
crucify v. 把某人的手腳釘在十字架上處以極刑
The criminal was crucified.
=> 這名罪犯被釘在十字架上處死。
crucify v. 嚴厲的對待/虐待某人
eg: Sandra knew she would be crucified if her boss found out that she lost the important document.
Sandra知道如果她的上司發限了她搞丟了這份重要文件時，一定會讓她會吃不完兜著走。
mock v. 嘲弄/嘲笑
eg: Kids at school mocked the boy because of his height.
=> 這個男孩在學校裡由於他的身高而被嘲笑。
mock v. 嘲弄地模仿
eg: The naughty students mocked the way the teacher spoke and acted.
這些淘氣的學生們嘲弄了老師的說話和舉止
//== Chat room ==//
cross n. 十字架
a heavy cross to bear 忍受/承擔痛苦
=> 字面上為背負沉重的十字架，意義則為忍受/承擔痛苦
cross v. 交叉
cross one's fingers 祝福/祈求好運
eg: I am crossing my fingers that nothing bad will happen to him.
eg: Keep your fingers crossed. 希望未來有好運
cross v. 躍過/渡過
cross your mind 浮在你的腦海裡
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Jealous of Jesus' popularity, the Jewish religious leaders began plotting to capture him.
=> The Jewish religious leaders were jealous of Jesus' popularity, so they began plotting to capture him.
句型: adjective phrase + subject + verb
Jealous of Jesus' popularity +
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Phrase phrase
the Jewish religious leaders +
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Verb
began
^^^^^
Verb
eg: Angry at his parents' decision, Torn stomped back to his room.
eg: Confused about her test scores, Theresa called herteacher for an explanation.
2010年4月1日 星期四
20100401 A Humorous Situation (1)
A Humorous Situation
He who laughts last, laughs best
A world-famous scientific expert, Dr. Halogen, was on his way to give another lecture. This particular night, his driver asked him for a favor. "Dr. Halogen, when you speak, everyone gives you honor and attention. I'd really like to see what that feels like. Could we exchange clothes just for tonight? You be the driver, and I'll be the expert." Dr. Halogen laughed and said, "Do you really think you can do it? What if someone asks you a difficult question?" "I can answer it," boasted the driver. "I've heard you speak on this topic many, many times."
"All right," said the scientist. "It is April fool's Day after all!" The two exchanged clothes and continued on to the meeting. When they arrived, the bogus scientist was received with great enthusiasm. He gave a good imitation of the speech and answered a few questions. Then a woman asked a very tricky one.
Thinking quickly, he said, "Ma'am, that question has a very simple answer. It's so easy, I'm going to let my driver, who is sitting in the back, explain it!"
boast about/of something 誇耀/吹噓某事
=> say something very proud of it
eg: Mothers love to boast about how smart their children are.
媽媽喜歡誇耀自己的孩子有多麼地聰明。
boast v. 擁有的某件事物
eg: Hawaii boasts great sand beaches and beautiful scenery.
=> 夏威夷擁有很棒的沙灘和美麗的風景。
bogus adj. 假的/偽造的
eg: The con man used a bogus credit card to buy many valuable goods.
=> 這個騙子使用偽造信用卡買許多昂貴的物品。
eg: The suspect's claim was found to be bogus.
eg: He made up some bogus data in his report and got expelled(被退學了).
enthusiasm n. 熱心/熱情/熱忱
eg: The teacher's enthusiasm for literature inspired his students.
eg: Wesley lost his enthusiasm for the project when he learned it would take 6 months to complete.
Ma'am n. 尊稱女士/夫人
=> it's a polite way to say Mrs.
//== Chat room ==//
favour(英式寫法)
favor (美式寫法)
favor n. 恩惠
要求別人幫忙有下講法:
1. Can I ask you a favor?
2. Can I ask you for a favor?
3. Can I ask a favor of you?
Can you do me a favor?
我可以請你幫個忙嗎?
favor v. 偏愛/偏袒
eg: My mom always favors my younger brother.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
1. I'd really like to see what that feels like...
2. I want to know what that feels like.
=> too directly, a bit impolite
I would like... (較禮貌)
I want to reschedule my ticket. (impolite)
I'd like to reschedue my ticket. (good)
I want a salad with my sandwich. (impolite)
I would like a salad with my sandwich. (good)
He who laughts last, laughs best
A world-famous scientific expert, Dr. Halogen, was on his way to give another lecture. This particular night, his driver asked him for a favor. "Dr. Halogen, when you speak, everyone gives you honor and attention. I'd really like to see what that feels like. Could we exchange clothes just for tonight? You be the driver, and I'll be the expert." Dr. Halogen laughed and said, "Do you really think you can do it? What if someone asks you a difficult question?" "I can answer it," boasted the driver. "I've heard you speak on this topic many, many times."
"All right," said the scientist. "It is April fool's Day after all!" The two exchanged clothes and continued on to the meeting. When they arrived, the bogus scientist was received with great enthusiasm. He gave a good imitation of the speech and answered a few questions. Then a woman asked a very tricky one.
Thinking quickly, he said, "Ma'am, that question has a very simple answer. It's so easy, I'm going to let my driver, who is sitting in the back, explain it!"
boast about/of something 誇耀/吹噓某事
=> say something very proud of it
eg: Mothers love to boast about how smart their children are.
媽媽喜歡誇耀自己的孩子有多麼地聰明。
boast v. 擁有的某件事物
eg: Hawaii boasts great sand beaches and beautiful scenery.
=> 夏威夷擁有很棒的沙灘和美麗的風景。
bogus adj. 假的/偽造的
eg: The con man used a bogus credit card to buy many valuable goods.
=> 這個騙子使用偽造信用卡買許多昂貴的物品。
eg: The suspect's claim was found to be bogus.
eg: He made up some bogus data in his report and got expelled(被退學了).
enthusiasm n. 熱心/熱情/熱忱
eg: The teacher's enthusiasm for literature inspired his students.
eg: Wesley lost his enthusiasm for the project when he learned it would take 6 months to complete.
Ma'am n. 尊稱女士/夫人
=> it's a polite way to say Mrs.
//== Chat room ==//
favour(英式寫法)
favor (美式寫法)
favor n. 恩惠
要求別人幫忙有下講法:
1. Can I ask you a favor?
2. Can I ask you for a favor?
3. Can I ask a favor of you?
Can you do me a favor?
我可以請你幫個忙嗎?
favor v. 偏愛/偏袒
eg: My mom always favors my younger brother.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
1. I'd really like to see what that feels like...
2. I want to know what that feels like.
=> too directly, a bit impolite
I would like... (較禮貌)
I want to reschedule my ticket. (impolite)
I'd like to reschedue my ticket. (good)
I want a salad with my sandwich. (impolite)
I would like a salad with my sandwich. (good)
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